Gists - Essays - Blogs: June 2017

June
2017
Gists | Essays | Blogs

Includes important articles from Yojana, Kurukshetra, PIB, PRS,
The Hindu etc.
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Russia and India: 70 years together [Gist]
Jun-2017
PART I - Excerpts from the Article by the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi
Seven decades ago, on 13 April 1947 to be precise, even before India gained independence,
India and Russia established diplomatic relations with each other. I convey my warm greetings
to the people of Russia and India on the 70th anniversary of this momentous milestone, which we
are celebrating this year in 2017.
India-Russia relations have been the one constant in a world that has changed dramatically
since 1947. They have withstood the test of time, and grown from strength to strength. The
resilience of our relationship is based on the fact that it rests on the principles of equality, trust
and mutual benefit. We have adapted our partnership to the different stages of our national
development and to the changing realities of the international context. We have been together in
times good and bad.
Our relations of course go well beyond the last seventy years. They are steeped in history. They also
go well beyond the governments. Afanasei Nikitin travelled from Tver to India in the 15th
century to connect Russia to India. Later, in the mid-18th century, Indian merchants travelled
between India and Russia and established settlements in Astrakhan. Gerasim Lebedev, who was a
pioneer of Indology and Bengali theatre, visited India around the same period. .... In later
years, Rabindranath Tagore's poetry was translated into Russian and Mahatma Gandhi, the
father of our nation, and Leo Tolstoy corresponded with each other. The immortal works of
Nikolai Roerich and his love for India remain a part of our rich cultural legacy. Russian writers like
Dostoevsky, Pushkin and Chekov influenced Indian thought and drama. Yoga, Indian films, songs
and dances remain an abiding bond between our people.
The Soviet Union helped India build its industrial base. The factories at Bokaro and Bhilai, the
hydroelectric dam at Bhakra-Nangal, and the images of Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma on
board the Soyuz T-11 as the first Indian cosmonaut, are etched in the minds of every Indian.
In the last seventy years, India has developed a large and diversified industrial and
technological base. We are among the fastest growing large economies of the world. The potential
for India's accelerated growth has never been greater, nor the optimism higher. Russia has re-
emerged from the events of 1991 as a global power with international reach and influence. Its
economy has been modernized and a new generation is driving the country forward.
In 2000, India and Russia signed a Declaration on Strategic Partnership. In 2010, we elevated
our partnership to the level of a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. These documents
are more than just words. They contain an ambitious blueprint for our cooperation. Our cooperation
in the military technical field is a pillar of great strength in India-Russia relations. Russian
equipment and technology is the mainstay of our defence forces. The symbols of our
contemporary partnership today include Indian investments in Sakhalin 1, and now the Vankor and
Taas-Yuryakh oil fields, the nuclear power plant at Kudankulam and the Brahmos Joint
Venture Project. In the economic field we are moving in the direction of increasing mutual
investments in manufacturing, development of the International North-South Transport Corridor and
creation of a Green Corridor. India has been an important contributor to the pharmaceutical industry
of Russia.
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But we cannot and should not be satisfied with our achievements and must strive to open new
vistas. We should fully exploit our mutual complementarities based on our large markets,
resource endowments and industrial and technological base. We are focusing on increasing
our bilateral trade which is considerably below our potential. We are opening new areas of
cooperation in the energy sector, telecommunications and science and technology. We have set up
funds to facilitate investment in high technologies. We look upon the Arctic as another area of
cooperation with Russia. We wish to expand cooperation between the regions of Russia and the
States of India, and especially with the Russian Far East. We are working on expanding our trade
ties with the Eurasian Economic Union. We are exploring new areas of cooperation like railways,
innovation, IT, diamond trade, and infrastructure. There are efforts towards greater joint
production and technology transfer from Russia to India. We are working together to enhance
physical connectivity as also intensify contacts between our scientists, universities and intellectuals,
particularly the younger generation. Russian companies are welcome to join our flagship
programmes such as Make in India, Start Up India, Skill India and Digital India.
The significance of our relations goes beyond the bilateral sphere. This is natural and has always
been so. Our partnership has contributed to global peace and security. We have supported each
other's key interests. We are important stakeholders in upholding the stability of the international
political, security, economic and financial order. We cooperate closely in forums such as the United
Nations, BRICS, G-20, East Asia Summit, RIC and the IAEA. India looks forward to becoming
a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation that became possible with
wholehearted Russian support.
At a time of multiple global challenges, our cooperation becomes all the more necessary. There is
loosening of the traditional power balance in the world. New centers of influence and new engines
of growth are emerging. The United Nations Security Council no longer reflects these
changing realities, and direly needs reform. The world is plagued by multiple regional hotspots.
Their effects are being felt across the world. The biggest threat to civilized societies comes from
terrorism that is today more lethal and more organized than ever before. Terrorism is challenging our
way of life. India and Russia are natural partners in fighting terrorism unitedly and with
determination and to promote a multi-polar international system based on the central role of the
United Nations and international law.
In India, the policy of building strong relations with Russia enjoys crosscutting national consensus.
Every government in India since 1947 has accorded the highest priority to developing close relations
with the government and people of Russia. My government is not only committed to following this
policy, but taking our relations to newer heights.
-----

PART II - Excerpts from the Article by the President of Russia Vladimir Putin
This year, we are celebrating the anniversary of a truly historic event. Seventy years ago – on April
13, 1947 – the governments of the USSR and India announced their decision to establish official
missions in Delhi and Moscow. This step on our part logically followed up on our course
for assisting India on its way to national liberation and contributed to strengthening its
independence.
In the decades that have followed, our bilateral partnership has further intensified and strengthened,
and has never been subject to expediency. Equal and mutually beneficial relations of the two States
have steadily developed. This is quite natural. Our peoples have always had mutual sympathy
and respect for each other‟s spiritual values and culture.
Today, we can take pride in what we have achieved. With Russia’s technical and financial
assistance, the pioneers of Indian industrialization came into existence: metallurgical
complexes in Bhilai, Visakhapatnam and Bokaro, the mining equipment plant in Durgapur,
the thermal power station in Neyveli, the electromechanical enterprise in Korba, antibiotics
plants in Rishikesh and the pharmaceutical plant in Hyderabad.
Soviet and, later on, Russian scientists and academics participated in the establishment of
research and education centers in India. These include the Indian Institute of Technology in
Bombay, research institutes of petroleum industry in Dehradun and Ahmedabad. We are proud our
specialists helped develop India’s space program. Thanks to this fruitful bilateral cooperation,
in 1975 India‟s first satellite, Aryabhata, was launched, and Indian citizen Rakesh Sharma
travelled into space in 1984 as a crew member of Soyuz T-11.
In August 1971, our countries signed the Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation, which
set forth the fundamental principles of bilateral relations, such as respect for the sovereignty and
each other‘s interests, good neighborliness, and peaceful coexistence. In 1993, the Russian
Federation and the Republic of India confirmed the inviolability of these basic principles in the new
Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation.
The Declaration on Strategic Partnership signed in 2000 provides for close coordination of
approaches to ensuring international peace and security and resolving pressing global and
regional issues. Annual summits have become an established practice in the Indian-Russian
bilateral relations allowing us to discuss in a timely manner the efforts taken to accomplish our
objectives and set long-term goals. ...
...The interparliamentary and interregional ties, as well as business and humanitarian contacts are
actively developing. Military cooperation is also being enhanced: joint land and naval exercises
are conducted regularly.
Cooperation in peaceful uses of atomic energy is one of the fundamental components of the
relationship between India and Russia. The construction of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power
Plant with our assistance is a flagship project in this field. In 2013, the first nuclear power unit was
put into operation. In October 2016, the second unit was transferred to the Indian side, and
construction of the third and fourth power units began. All of this contributes to the implementation of
the plans to develop nuclear energy in India involving the construction of at least 12 power
units in its territory by 2020. These goals are stipulated in a joint document – the Strategic Vision
for Strengthening India-Russia Cooperation in Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy. We intend to
further share best practices in this important industry with India and contribute to enhancing its
energy security.
Collaboration in the traditional energy sector is successfully developing. The purchase of a block of
shares in the Russian company ―Vankorneft‖ made by the Indian consortium of
companies has become the biggest bilateral deal in the oil industry. The possibilities for the
participation of Indian companies in joint hydrocarbons exploration and production projects in
the Russian Arctic shelf are currently under consideration.

There are also good prospects for cooperation in the solar energy filed, modernization of the existing
power plants and construction of new ones in the territory of India.
...One of the priorities is to boost the trade turnover and improve its structure, as well as stimulate
economic activity of our business communities. I am referring to enhancing industrial cooperation
and increasing supplies of high-tech products, creating a better business and investment
environment, and using systems of payments in national currencies.
The decision to start negotiations on a free trade area agreement between the Eurasian
Economic Union and India adopted in December 2016 is of particular importance. The possibilities
of creating the International North South Transport Corridor are being explored. All these factors
should promote the development of our bilateral and regional cooperation.
.. Russia is committed to long-term participation in the ―Make in India‖ program initiated by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi.
Our countries cooperate intensively in the production of multipurpose weapons and military
equipment. Co-production of a unique supersonic cruise missile ―BrahMos‖ is our special pride.
Since 1960, the overall value of contracts within the framework of military and technical cooperation
has amounted to over USD 65 billion, while the portfolio of orders in 2012-2016 exceeded USD 46
billion.
India and Russia are equal partners in international affairs. Our countries support the establishment
of a multipolar democratic system of international relations based on strict compliance with
the principles of law and resting upon the UN central role. We are willing to further jointly
counter challenges and threats of the 21st century, promote the unifying agenda and contribute to
maintaining global and regional security.
We effectively interact within BRICS – an association that thanks to our collective efforts is
increasing its weight and influence. This June, India will become a full member of the Shanghai
Cooperation Organization. It will considerably enhance the potential of the SCO. India and Russia
also work together within the G20 and other international formats.
I would also like to note that our countries closely coordinate positions on such complex issues as
settling the situation in Syria and ensuring stability in the Middle East and North Africa region.
They significantly contribute to the national reconciliation process in Afghanistan.

Are nationalized banks the walking dead of the banking system? [Essay]
Jun-2017
Public sector banks, excluding behemoth State Bank of India (SBI),seem to have vanished
from the lending scene. The latest data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) shows public sector
banks didn‟t see their loan book grow at all in 2016-17.
SBI, too, had it rough, with its loan book growing just about 4.4%.This is the worst performance by
government-owned banks that were otherwise the oil to the engines of growth since India‟s
massive bank nationalization drive in 1969. It is clear that as bad loans began to pile up around
2012-13, public sector banks applied the brakes on lending. The slowdown in credit had begun as
early as March 2012.
Lenders like IDBI Bank, UCO Bank and Dena Bank are placed under the prompt corrective
action framework which would put curbs on their lending in the current fiscal (FY18) by RBI
because ofunmanageable bad loans and deteriorating capital. Indian Overseas Bank was under
similar restrictions in 2015-16.
But a key reason for this dismal loan growth is that as their corporate loan book decayed, public
sector lenders were not able to leverage on their retail franchise despite having a large
branch network and maintaining their high market share on deposits. Part of this is due to
inefficiencies, the inability to lower interest rates due to high credit costs and late entry into digital
channels.
In the current fiscal as well as the next, public sector banks are likely to see their market share of
loans erode. Another worrying trend is that these banks have not been able to hold on to deposit
growth either. Before demonetization resulted in a deluge of deposits, the growth in deposits
at public sector banks was 6.6%. That of SBI‟s was 14.10% while private banks mopped up a
massive 25% growth. If we leave out demonetization, deposit growth in nationalized banks would
be in low single digits.
While market and even investors may have lost faith in public sector banks, it is pertinent to ask
whether depositors have also started to doubt the survival ability of these lenders. What stands out
is the consistency with which private banks have upped their game.
A new wave mirroring that of the 1969 nationalization could be seen now. The difference is that
this one is in the opposite direction, towards privatization.
Recently RBI deputy governor Viral Acharya has called for privatization of nationalized
banks and sale of their subsidiaries and other assets. Acharya also quoted an IMF report to
highlight that Indian businesses are the most heavily indebted and banks worse off than their peers
in terms of capital available to meet bad debts.
The deputy governor also reiterated governor Urjit Patel's call for merger of under-performers
with stronger banks as a quid pro quo for government capital injection. The presence of a
large safety net of state-ownership and deposit insurance, which ensure that there are likely to be no
bank runs, end up eroding any discipling force that gets the bank health restored.
The system will be better off if they are consolidated into fewer but healthier banks.

The real challenge for Swachh Bharat Abhiyan [Blog]
Jun-2017
Although the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan lays a lot of emphasis on collecting waste in cities, it
does not seem to have given adequate attention to waste management, the recently released
draft of the State of Environment Report 2105 shows.
The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, one of the Narendra Modi‘s flagship schemes, may be missing out on
one of the key ingredients of clean cities: waste management. Although the Swachh Bharat
Abhiyan lays a lot of emphasis on collecting waste in cities, it does not seem to have given adequate
attention to waste management, the recently released draft of the State of Environment Report 2105
shows.
Most of the solid waste generated in cities is dumped in landfill sites, which the report
describes as “non-scientific” and “rudimentary”. These sites, apart from being health hazards,
also pose a serious threat to land and water resources. The report, published by the environment
ministry, notes that 1,285 new landfill sites have been identified across the country but it does not
say when these new sites are likely to become operational.
Many of India‘s big cities are struggling to treat their sewage as well. According to figures from the
2016 compendium of environment statistics, Delhi‟s sewage treatment capacity was only 60% of
its total sewage generation. The figure is less than half for many big cities in eastern and central
India.
The waste-management problems of cities do not seem to be reflected in the Swachh Bharat
rankings of cities published recently. For instance, Indore, Bhopal and Surat, which ranked first,
second and fourth, respectively, based on their Swachh Survekshan 2017scores, are each
able to treat less than half of the sewage they generate.
As several commentators have pointed out, a key drawback of the Swachh Bharat rankings is that
they rely too heavily on perception. The environment ministry data suggests that the perception
about cleanliness of cities may differ quite sharply from the reality.
As India urbanizes, the problem of waste management will only grow. What compounds this problem
further is the growing volume of hazardous waste generated in the country. According to the state of
the environment report, the number of hazardous waste generating industries has risen from an
estimated 36,165 generating 6.2 million tonnes of hazardous waste in 2009 to 42,429
generating 7.8 million tonnes of hazardous waste in 2015. More than half of India‘s hazardous
waste is generated in the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Smaller firms or micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME), as they are classified in India, seem
to be generating most of the industrial waste and pollutants in the country as they are not subject to
the strict pollution control norms which apply to big industries. The share of highly polluting
industries which do not comply with pollution norms has increased by around 8
percentage points between 2010 and 2014, according to the state of the environment report.
Clearly, a “Swachh Bharat” (or clean India) is possible only when these issues are dealt with
in a holistic manner. Piecemeal initiatives to clean streets, or to clean rivers, will not succeed
without adequate waste management infrastructure and pollution control measures. A classic
example is the Clean Ganga Mission, which is facing challenges because of inadequate sewage
treatment in Varanasi and unregulated discharge from leather tanneries in Kanpur.
The battle for a cleaner, greener and healthier India cannot succeed without an overarching
framework to deal with the generation, management and disposal of waste.

What does SCO membership mean for India? [The Hindu]
Jun-2017
India will be admitted as a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
during the ongoing summit of the regional grouping in Kazakhstan. Prime Minister Narendra
Modi, who is in Kazakhstan now, will attend the SCO summit and meet some foreign leaders,
including Chinese President Xi Jinping. He is also scheduled to attend the inauguration of
the Astana Expo with the theme of ―Future Energy‖.
What is the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)?
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is a Eurasian political, economic, and military
organisation which was founded in Shanghai by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,
Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The SCO‘s objectives arecentred around cooperation between
member nations on security-related concerns, military cooperation, intelligence sharing and counter-
terrorism. It is mainly aimed at military cooperation between the members and involves
intelligence-sharing, counter-terrorism operations in Central Asia. The presence of China and India,
the world‘s most populous countries, would make the SCO the organisation with the largest
population coverage.
Who are the permanent members of the SCO?
The SCO was founded by leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan in 2001.
Uzbegistan joined the group later. India and Pakistan signed the memoranda for becoming a
permanent member of the SCO in 2016. The inclusion of India and Pakistan into the SCO would
mean the addition of another 1.45 billion people which would make the grouping cover around 40
per cent of the global population.
What does this mean for India?
Cooperation on counter-terrorism is expected to emerge as a major point of India‘s exchange with
SCO. India is expected to have a greater say in pushing for effective action in combating
terrorismand on issues relating to security when it becomes a full member of the SCO, seen as a
counterweight to NATO. India, one of the largest energy consuming countries in the world, is
also likely to get greater access to major gas and oil exploration projects in Central Asia once
it becomes part of the SCO. India‘s entry into the China-dominated grouping is seen as a major
milestone as it is expected to increase the group‘s heft in regional geo-politics and trade negotiations
besides giving it a pan-Asian hue. Experts say India‟s inclusion may even bring down Beijing‟s
overarching influence over the SCO, reports PTI.
"I look forward to deepening India's association with the SCO which will help us in economic,
connectivity and counter-terrorism cooperation, among other things," Modi said in his pre-departure
statement. Modi said he looked forward to further progress in ties with SCO nations for "mutual
betterment and growth of our countries and our people".
What is Pakistan’s role in the Astana summit?
Pakistan will also be admitted as a full member of the SCO along with India during the Astana
summit. However, with tension brewing between the two countries, there is no meeting scheduled
between Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif. Ahead of Mr. Modi‘s visit to Astana,
the External Affairs Ministry said that India is willing to join hands with Pakistan and China to
combat terrorism. ―We participate with many countries, including Pakistan, in the U.N.
peacekeeping operations, and terrorism is a fight which is incumbent on all countries,‖ Ministry
spokesperson Gopal Baglay said. The comment is significant as full membership will require India
to coordinate with member countries both on the trade front in the SCO headquarters in Beijing
and at the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) based in Tashkent.

Wildlife Conservation: Aspects [Blog]
Jun-2017
Wildlife Conservation- A seemingly never ending issue
Wildlife means all the flora and fauna, which are not domesticated by humans. It includes animals,
plants and microorganisms.
First passed in 1972, the Wildlife (Protection) Act is the primary legislation protecting the
country‟s unique flora and fauna. The Act established schedules of protected animals and plants,
outlawed hunting and harvesting of species, and set up a notification process for new wildlife
preservation areas.
ISSUES:
A holistic view of protecting and preserving our wildlife is missing:
When it comes to laws related to national conservation on wildlife, we have a focus on bigger
animals, we talk about the tiger, lion, elephants, rhinocerous etc. But there is a huge biodiversity
that exists beyond these animals that is never a talk of.
Ineffective implementation of laws:
In India we have the Wildlife Protection Act. There is a mechanism in place but that is hardly
followed. While the law is criminal in nature, the conviction rates for poachers and traffickers
remains lowbecause of poor quality of evidence. Also the penalties imposed for crimes as serious
as poaching is not enough to disincentivise it. Many of the officers don‘t have adequate training in
the law or are not sensitised to the seriousness of the wildlife crime.
Poor focus on smaller species:
The WPA, 1972 has six schedules. The animals in 6th schedule have been given maximum
protection, but the number of species covered in this schedule are less. GSI under the
Minister for Environment forests and climate change records large number of species every year but
they remain confined to the records in the book. In order to provide protection in an efficient
manner we have to bring those recorded species into the mainstream.
Focusing on larger number of smaller species is required. All species have to coexist for a healthy
ecosystem. A tiger can only exist when all other species of an ecosystem survives. If we have a
focus on tiger, we should have an equally important focus on other species.
Lack of Awareness:
There is little awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation among the Indian
citizens. This is more so true among the people living in remote areas. The violation of laws in the
WPA 1972 is considered as a criminal act. But there is little awareness about the law. People don‘t
know whom to approach when a crime takes place.
MAN-ANIMAL CONFLICT:
The human-wildlife conflict has increased in the recent times. Reasons behind rising conflicts:
 [] Rapid deforestation- It has become a biggest threat to wildlifehabitat and also has
reduced the food base of the wild animals, forcing them to enter into agricultural fields.
 [] Unplanned urbanization
 [] Road Ecology-Rapid construction of roads disrupt natural migration and fragments
habitats. Individual animals attempting to cross roads in order to migrate, find food or mates,
or return to their breeding grounds are not always successful.
 [] Mining and quarrying-is causing degradation of habitat in areas like the Aravalli Range
and the Western Ghats.


All the above has resulted into fragmentation of wildlife habitat. Truth is that we have limited land
mass and in this limited land mass we have to accommodate both human and wildlife population.
Tackling Man-Animal Conflict:
 [] Discouraging Unplanned Urbanization:

 Urbanization should take place in a planned way. Effort should be made to ensure that the
wildlife habitats gets disrupted as little as possible,
 [] Considering landscape in entirety:
 Rather than protecting only the protected areas, the national sanctuaries or communities of
the Biosphere Reserve we need to consider the landscape in entirety. This will help in not
only reducing the man and animal conflict but the larger biodiversity will also be protected.
 [] Maintaining road ecology:
 Fragmented habitats should be reconnected by using over- or under passes that allow the
safe movement of animals across roads. Fencing can also be used to direct animals to safer
places to cross or prevent wildlife-vehicle collisions in areas of highest risk.

Wildlife Conservation- Steps required:

Wildlife Protection and enjoying wildlife should be made part of our ethos.
# Increasing the level of awareness
Running awareness campaigns at the state, district and local level. Awareness among people
who are not so educated who are living in remote areas is low because they don‟t have access to
any knowledge systems so we need to have campaigns through which they can learn, understand
what is biodiversity, why do we need to protect them and about the importance of biodiversity in
maintaining our agricultural ecosystems. Role of civil society in creating awareness especially in
remote areas is immense.
# Catching them young
In the school talk about environment and wildlife should be done more seriously. We need to actually
take the children to the heart of biodiversity places so as to sensitise them. The school curriculum
must include lessons on importance of wildlife and biodiversity and also steps required to
conserve them.
# Amending the WPA,1972:
The Wildlife Protection Act which is under Amendment for many years. It must be
amended by incorporating provisions of the Convention of International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) and enhancing the penalties for offences such as
poaching.
# Protecting the Wildlife Corridors:
It vital to protect critical wildlife corridors. Large infrastructure projects that cut across well-known
wild animal passages—such as the construction of a new highway, train line or power plant—
must be sanctioned after thorough scrutiny.
# Adopting landscape protection approach:
As sixty percent of the country‘s wildlife exist outside these protected areas, GOI needs to have mor
e of a landscape protection approach rather than just concentrating and focusing on the national par
ks and the protecte areas.

WAY FORWARD
We need to marry the question of biological diversity, its preservation, the protection of wildlife and
healthy well being for human beings all together from the level of citizenry. Conservation is not a
project, but a long-term commitment and relationship to a landscape. It‘s not just based on
science and laws, but has a strong grounding in society.
A lot also depends on how human beings who are not in government react to the issue of wildli
fe. The quality of wildlife can be improved by not only protecting them but by ensuring that the
citizens actually enjoy the wildlife as something that is their heritage
My Notes:

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: Progress & Way Ahead [PRS]
Jun-2017
Swachh Bharat Mission was launched on 2nd Oct, 2014. It aims at making India clean by October
2, 2019 with a two-fold objective:
 [] Making the country 100% free from open defecation

 [] Ensuring 100% modern and scientific municipal solid waste management.

The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) has two sub-missions – SBM (Rural) and SBM (Urban). The
SBM is in sync with the Goal 6 of the Sustainable Development Goals which commits the
countries of the world to achieve universal access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation
and hygiene to all in the next 15 years.
Components of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan:
 [] Construction of household and community toilets.

 [] Door to door garbage collection.
 [] Eradicating manual scavenging.
 [] Proper and scientific disposal of municipal waste, waste management and treatment.
 [] Bringing in behavioural changes and awareness generation.

Progress under Swachh Bharat Mission:

# Construction of toilets:
The priority was given to the construction of toilets at individual households and if there was no
space available the community toilets were provided. Public toilets were constructed at public
spaces like railway stations and bus stations. Above the Central assistance of Rs 4,000 per
construction of each toilet in urban areas, 13 states are providing additional assistance in the
range of Rs 4,000 to Rs 13,000.
# Solid Waste Management:
Solid waste management includes segregating waste at source; collecting, transporting and storing
waste; as well as processing, treating and finally disposing of it.
In urban areas there has been progress in door to door waste collection. Transportation and
processing of waste is also taking place at faster pace compared to previous year. There has been
an increase in the number of compost plants from 40 to 145.
# Waste Management: Waste to Energy:
The Ministry of Fertilizers provides Rs 1500 for market development assistance for per ton of
compost generated. For conversation of waste to energy, the Ministry of Power has made it
mandatory that the power generated from waste to energy plants has to be purchased by the
state DISCOMs.
# Behavioural change:
This is a very important segment to make the progress sustainable. Apart from approaching
through celebrities, the government has established swachhata doot (community volunteer),
engaging community organisations, engaging local celebrities and those people who are having
respect among the people, NGOs and media. The impact of poor sanitation is being
disseminated to people in an organised manner. Through NGOs, women Self Help Groups
(SHGs), advertisements through print and visual media the information is spread to the people about
the importance of using the toilets to sustain the efforts of eliminating open defecation.

However, Information, education and communication (IEC) is not being paid adequate
attention. The guidelines require that 8% of the funds be allocated for IEC activities. During the
2016-‘17 financial year, 1% of the total expenditure had been made on information, education and
communication up to January according to a survey. In contrast, 98% of the funds had been spent
on construction of toilets in individual households.
Swachh Survekshan:
 [] It is an initiative launched by Ministry of Urban Development through which the

government is bringing competition among cities towards creating cleaner cities and
towns. The cities are ranked on the basis of various parameters. The objective of the
survey is to encourage large scale citizen participation and create awareness amongst all
sections of society about the importance of working together towards making towns and
cities a better place to live in.
 [] ‗Swachh Suvekshan-2017‘ was done to assess and rank 500 cities and towns based on
levels of sanitation and efforts made by respective urban local bodies and also to capture
progress towards achieving ‗Open Defecation Free‘ status.

Looking beyond sanitation:

Not just in terms of toilet construction but also into issues of sustainability of toilets, equity in access
to drinking water across social categories, gender and culture. Of the households with a latrine
which had at least one member of the family defecating in the open, the most common reasons cited
were absence of water and the pit being too small.
 [] The allocations for rural water – specifically the NRDWP (National Rural Drinking Water
Programme) – have remained almost stagnant (Rs 6,000 crore in 2016-17 RE to Rs 6,050
crore in 2017-18 BE).
 [] This could have serious consequences, especially in view of the fact that the recent
drought situation in the country, has exacerbated the drinking water crisis and has even led
to slip-backs in toilet usage.

WAY FORWARD
What needs to be done for making urban areas clean/swachh?
 [] An integrated solid waste management policy for each city.

 [] Supporting the nationwide effort for waste reduction and implementation of a waste
diversion policy in accordance with MoEFCC SWM 2016 Rules.
 [] Designate areas as transit points for different waste streams.
 [] Set up channel of distribution of organic manure.
 [] Partner RWA‘s, schools, hospitals ,NGO‘s and CBO‘s for outreach awareness
programmes.
 [] Designate green belts for horticulture waste management.
 [] Set up drop off centres for e-waste and hazardous waste in each ward.
 [] Create more recycling stations/centres and engage authorised recyclers.
 [] Set up of Construction And Demolition Waste plant.
 [] Restrict illegal and indiscriminate dumping of construction debris.


According to the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation (MDWS),sanitation coverage has gone
up from 42 percent in October 2014 to 60 percent in 2017. As per MWDS, three states – Kerala,
Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim – 85 districts across the country and 1,52,535 villages have
already been declared open defecation free (ODF).These achievements have clearly contributed
to making sanitation a political priority. Importantly, the mission is running in a time-bound manner
with a clear deadline to achieve the above objectives.
As per World Bank report, per person in the country spends around 6500 rupees per year on
health issues. If this amount is invested on sanitation, this will help to increase the productivity of
people in particular and the nation at large. With almost two-and-half years after the SBA‘s launch,
we are moving in right direction but many more steps would be required for the country to become
‗swachh‘ and fulfill the dream of a Clean India.
My Notes:

Women in battle: Now, or later? [Debate]
Jun-2017
AGAINST THE VIEW: It may be inevitable, but not as yet
The contending mainstream narratives on women in combat in the Army propelled by male and
female protagonists lend bias and hues to disparate arguments. The epithet ―combat‖ by itself is
non-conformist in usage. Riot control is combat, engaging an adversarial aircraft by firing an
air defence missile is so, as isestablishing communication infrastructure in Kargil, supplying
ammunition in Kupwara or erecting a bridge on the Lohit river. For the task that the Army
undertakes, these are imperative combat roles.
In debate, however, combat roles for women actually are deemed identical to that of a self-
contained infantry soldier in a small patrol in the dense jungles of the Northeast, or along the LoC
in J&K. Combat is again thought to be in the steaming deserts of South Rajasthan as part of tank
crew. It is presumed that the mental and physical capabilities for women, despite the
physiological concerns and the skeletal structure, can be attained by training, though the
current standards have been watered down at the entry stage, during training and subsequent
testing during career.
For women, the longevity in combat (as evinced currently by thefrontline infantry soldiers with
sustained separation from families), and the rigours of overstretching to retain the physical and
psychological conditioning, is bound to take its toll on their health and cause attrition. In a
highly competitive environment, this becomes a serious management issue, to carry and place the
unfit in scarce peacetime assignments, and ensure motivation for those repeatedly deployed in
hardships.
Not wanting to sound misogynistic, with the traditional and cultural roots of Indian society,
specially the rural recruitment base, the male population of the Indian Army will require a
credible psychological reorientation. Of course there will be need for gender-sensitisation for
men, by no measure a small task. This is specially so with a larger number of males and a few
females, cooped up for days, weeks or months in a very small post of a dozen soldiers or so, as is
but normal in super-high-altitude areas. There are bound to be physical, physiological and
psychological anxieties.
Most importantly is to fathom the operational environment that exists, currently. Mutilation of
soldiers has occurred in recent times in patrolling in proximity to LoC and caused nationally
heated passions. There is a psychologically and culturally, protective behaviour characteristic
among male society towards women, which at the heat of military operations, say under fire or in an
ambush, may lead to poorer decisions that will have far-reaching implications.
Understandably, poor decisions are still being made in the current scenario, and these could well
multiply. Over-protectionism in operations may reduce the proverbial bayonet strength. All that
has been stated above may not be new or original. It may also behyperbole, exaggeration and
overstating the obvious. And, yes, women may be willing to accept the risks, and why should men
decide what is in store!
But for the operationally committed Corps of Infantry, Armoured Corps and the Mechanised
Infantry, haste at this juncture may adversely affect and lead to loss of combat
effectiveness. Induction of women even in combat units may be inevitable over time, and the writing
may be on the wall, but well into future, but not as yet!
-- Written by Lt. Gen. Rakesh Sharma, recently retired as adjutant-general of the Indian Army.
He had earlier commanded the Fire and Fury Corps in Ladakh.
----

FOR THE VIEW: It is a facet of women’s empowerment
There was an official announcement recently that the Army was opening its doors for women in
combat roles. Indeed a ―wow‖ moment for women in India! It is not a small or insignificant move by
the government.
The Indian Army is one of the best and the largest armies in the world. However, it swings in
favour of men in numbers. Way back in the ‘90s, after a series of heated debates and discussions, a
green signal was sent out for women to enter the Army. Today, they are represented in Ordnance,
ASC, Medical, Educational Corps, etc.
The adversities were many, the physical vulnerability of women, the stereotyped mentality of
the male dominated force, social unpreparedness to reintegrate women affected by violence and
aggression… the list is endless. But the arguments in favour of women in the armed forces far
outweighed the ill consequences. It is in a way, a facet of women‘s empowerment.
Entering a male bastion, working shoulder to shoulder with fellow men and comrades,
overcoming patriarchal stereotypes, engaging in all activities on the same footing as men,
serving in difficult terrain with no preferential treatment, boosts the morale of women who know and
believe that they are second to none. Perhaps because of the species-specific growth
differentials, some selection criteria might have been tweaked to allow women into the Army. But
then, this is essential as the bars have to cater to the differentials and cannot be the same. If it were,
it would have eliminated many from making this career choice and surely would not have been fair to
women.
Anyone would agree that women display a great level of tolerance, patience, professionalism,
empathy and understanding and a high degree of emotional quotient — the qualities essential
in a hostile and aggressive environment. Operations today go beyond the physical level; they are
technologically sophisticated. Use of technology in most of the aspects of a battle is on increase and
will continue to do so. There is no reason why women don‘t fit the bill here. The vulnerability that
they may face is when they are captured by the enemy and subjected to physical and sexual
abuse. Personal and social adjustment could become a nightmare and our social fabric is possibly
still ill-equipped to receive and reintegrate them in society. However, these are only assumptions
and fears.
While the government has taken decision in the positive direction to include women in combat roles,
it needs to simultaneously sensitise men in the force to accept women at par, help overcome
any stereotypes which prejudice actions; empower women to acclimatise to combat roles; build,
rebuild and strengthen the social fabric to accept and take pride in the giant steps taken by
women to be a part of this great and reputed Army and to educate more and more young women to
have belief in one‘s own strength and confidence and to choose this career path.
Women constitute almost nearly half of India’s population and it is but fair that they have an
equal opportunity to all careers,including combat roles in the Army. Inclusiveness is a sign of
development and maturity of a nation. We have notable instances in the history of our country
where valiant women have fought fearlessly in combat role against enemies. It‘s high time that they
regain the lost glory. I have no doubt that women will be able to take up this challenge and emerge
victorious, as always.
-- Written by Maj. Gen. K.R. Prasad (Retd), from the Corps of Signals. He is now chief mentor
to Janaagraha, an NGO in Bengaluru.

India’s Nepali population & Gorkhaland movement [Blog]
Jun-2017
Until the mid-1970s, every school assembly, and every ceremonial occasion, in Nepal would begin
with the national anthem that includes the verses Paschima killa Kangra, purba ma
Teesta pugetheu, Kun shaktiko samuma, kahile kami jhuketheu? The verses translate as
―Kangra on the western border, Teesta in the east, Nepal has always been a country that has never
bowed to any power in the world.‖
Darjeeling, ceded by Nepal to the British East India Company back in 1815, continues to be the
centrepiece of the bond between people who speak Nepali on either side of the border. Today,
it is language that is now driving the Gorkhaland movement in Darjeeling.
Census figures over the years show that the state with the largest Nepali-speaking population is
West Bengal — 10.23 lakh in 2001,which is almost twice as many as in Assam, the next highest
state with 5.65 lakh. Sikkim has the highest concentration of Nepali-speaking people, at 62.6
per cent.
Although the Nepali-speaking segment makes up just 1.2 per cent of Bengal’s population.
Darjeeling evokes more interest in Nepal than any other Indian region where Nepali-speaking
persons are settled. The idea of a ―Greater Nepal‖ still motivates a section of Nepal activists who
want Darjeeling restored. During the British Raj, Darjeeling was where migrant Nepalis preferred
to work, chiefly in the tea gardens. Some returned home after the tea season, some settled in
Darjeeling, and others went as far as Assam.
Darjeeling, along with Sikkim, has also been where promotion of the Nepali language and
literature has been largely concentrated. In the late 1970s, Nepali scholars from Darjeeling as
well as Assam led a movement for recognition of the language under the Eighth
Schedule. The Morarji Desai-led government, however, turned it down. Sikkim, which became part
of India in 1975, joined the movement and the language was eventually given that status in 1992.
Darjeeling‘s Nepali-speaking population also contributed to thegrowth of trade union politics, their
affiliations mostly to the CPI in the initial stages.The movement led by the Gorkha National
Liberation Front, however, projected the CPM-led government in Bengal as anti-Nepali. Although
that Gorkhaland movement was called off following a tripartite agreement that led to an
autonomous hill council, the GNLF has now thrown its weight behind the revived movement
spearheaded by the Gorkha Janmukti Manch.
The bond with Nepal, meanwhile, continues. During and after the British Raj, Nepali families
sent their children to Darjeeling schools for quality education as well as the hill climate. King
Mahendra sent his three children — Birendra, Gyanendra and Dhirendra — to North Point School,
and one of the few pictures that adorn the meeting room of Gyanendra Shah, Nepal‘s last monarch,
shows him presenting a bouquet to Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on behalf of the students.
During insurgency in Nepal, Maoist leaders tried to organise tea-garden workers in Darjeeling
in 1995-96, but failed to earn support as most Darjeeling leaders did not want to be identified with
the Left.
Darjeeling continues to celebrate Nepali literature. Events are held in hour of Bhanubhakta
Acharya, an early 19th century poet who wrote a Nepali version of the Ramayana. Many poets,
musicians and singers including Ambar Gurung, Gopal Yonjan, Dil Maya and Kama Yonjan either
settled in Nepal or shuttled between that country and Darjeeling, cementing the cultural bridge.
Randhir Subba, one of the early leaders of the Gorkha League founded in the 1940s, migrated to
Nepal where he headed the government-run Sajha Publication before becoming Minister for
Foreign Affairs under King Birendra. Hari Prasad Pradhan, a migrant settled in Darjeeling, went
back to Nepal and became the first chief justice of the Supreme Court in the 1950s.

Sikkim and a couple of the other Northeastern states, on account of their high concentration of
Nepali-speaking people, too have made efforts to promote Nepali culture and language. Chief
Minister Pawan Chamling, himself a poet in Nepali, has established awards in Bhanubhakta
Acharya‘s name. Each year, Sikkim celebrates the poet‟s birthday on July 13 as Bhanu
Jayanti, with literary figures from both countries invited.
In other border states such as Bihar, UP and Uttarakhand, the concentration of Nepali-speaking
people is too low and scattered for them to have any influence on promoting the language there.
Demand for Gorkhaland: What Is It and Why?
The basic point about Gorkhaland is IDENTITY andNOT DEVELOPMENT.
Around 1780, the Gorkhas invade Sikkim and capture most part of it which includes Darjeeling with
Siliguri. They administer it for 35 years when finally after the British-Nepal war, Nepal cecedes its
territory to the British in the treaty of Segoulee in 1816. The ceded territory includes Darjeeling,
Siliguri, the entire terai, Simla, Nainital, Garwhal hills, Kumaon upto the Sutlej., i.e., the entire
region from Teesta to Sutlej.
When the British started tea cultivation in 1865 and the narrow gauge railway line in Darjeeling, a lot
of people came to the hilly region and started residing permanently.
After 1947, India entered into an infamous treaty with Nepal in 1950- The Treaty of Peace and
Friendship. The Article 7 of this Treaty reads: ―The Government of India and Nepal agree to grant
on a reciprocal basis to the national of one country in the territory of another the same privileges in
the matter of residence, ownership of properties, participation in trade and commerce, movement
and other privileges of similar nature”.
This treaty ambiguates the citizenship of the Indian Gorkhas, and it led to the loss of
their Indian Identity. It makes a Gorkha’s Indian citizenship a reciprocal one.
The present Gorkhaland movement is a search and a fight for this lost IDENTITY.
My Notes:

Reforms by Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare [PIB]
Jun-2017
PRADHAN MANTRI FASAL BIMA YOJANA:
After through review of erstwhile scheme of Modified National Agriculture Insurance Scheme
(MNAIS), the Government launched PMFBY in April, 2016. Under new scheme, farmers are
charged uniform rate of premium of 1.5 % in Rabi, Which is the minimum rate till date. The
scheme includes not only coverage of risks to standing crops, but also covers risk such
as prevented sowing and post-harvest losses. Under this scheme, farm level assessment of
losses due to localized calamities is being done for the first time and25 % of the assessed claims
are paid online immediately. Most importantly, capping has been removed and to maximize the
compensation, now farmers will get full cost of cultivation against their losses. There is a lot of
emphasis on the use of technology for insurance claims so that payment is not delayed.
It is pertinent to State here that in the year 2016-17, not only has the total sum insured increased to
approximately twice that of 2015-16, but coverage of non-loanee farmers has also increase from
5 % in 2015-16 to 25 % in 2016-17, which shows the increasing acceptance of the scheme.
----
NATIONAL AGRICULTURE MANDI:
Earlier. different states had different regulations for the mandis. After consultation with the
states, rectification of three rules - recognition of e-trading, implementation mandi tariff on
single window and single licence across the state – have been implemented to provide single
mandi for trading to the farmers. Hon‘ble prime Minister has inaugurated the web based online trade
portal on the eve of Ambedkar anniversary on 14th April 2016 so as to provide readily available
market to the farmers.
Through this portal the farmers will enable themselves to dispose off their products in the mandis
spread all over the country. By 8thJune 2017 419 mandis of 13 states, 46 lakh farmers, 90,000
traders and 47,000 commission agents have been linked with e-NAM portal.Through which a
transaction of 96 lakh MT products costing to Rs. 22,179 crore is carried out.
----
SOIL HEALTH CARD (SHC):
Earlier to 2015-16 the soil health card were prepared in separate edition on small level by different
State Governments. And for this purpose no amount was allocated separately. Keeping in view the
importance of this subject time soil health card scheme was initiated for the first in which an
unanimous soil specimen unification and trial methodology has been adopted. Through this
scheme 12 soil health parameters are analysed so that the farmers might be aware accurately
about the use of fertilizers and nutrients in their fields. Through this scheme there will not only be
reduction in the cost of farming but also the identification of nutrients in the land and their importance
will be established. There has been 8 to 10 % reduction in the consumption of the fertilisers
during 2016-17 as compared to 2015-16. At the same time there has been a 10 to 12 % growth in
the production.
----
AGROFORESTRY:
The Sub-Mission on Agroforestry has been launched for the first time by the present government
to augment tree planting activities, intercropping and Medh Par Ped. The scheme has been
implemented in the states having liberalised transit regulations for transport of timber. This will not
only help in reducing the effects of climate change, increase soil biodiversity, but it will also provide a
source of income for farmers. Under this scheme, the work have started in the 8 states in the
year 2016-17 and in the 5 states in 2017-18 after liberalised transit regulations. Other states are
also being motivated to do so.

-----
RASHTRIYA GOKUL MISSION:
This scheme for the first time has been commenced for theconservation and promotion of
domestic bovines in a scientific and consolidated way. Through this 35 projects have been
approved in 27 states, under which 31 mother bull farm of high breeding (for genetic
improvement), recording of cow’s milk productivity, training to 30,000 artificial semen
technicians conducive for 6 crore artificial semen activity during this year as well as 14 gokul
gram (Bovine Development Centres) for special conservation are being established.
Apart from this 2 Kamdhenu Breeding Centres for special conservation of domestic species on
national level are being set up in Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. This mission will help in the
productivity of 30 crore bovines and buffaloes as well as 7 crore milk producing farmers.
----
NATIONAL BOVINE PRODUCTIVITY MISSION:
National bovine productivity mission has been started in November 2016 for the enhancement of
income of animal rearers, milk production and productivity. For the first time in the country, 8.8
million milch animals are being issued Nakul Swastha Patra and UID cards under the
Pashudhan Sanjeevani scheme and are being provided comprehensive health treatment. With
the aim of increasing the number of female bovines, advanced breeding techniques like Sex Sorted
bovine Semen, 50 Embryo Transfer Techniques and In vitro Fertilization (IVF) Centers are being
opened.
Assisted Reproductive Technique is being used to increase the availability of disease-free female
bovines through sex-sorted semen technology and 50 embryo transfer technology labs are being
established. Through National Bovine Genomic Centre, indigenous breeds will be made
acceptable for increased milk production and productivity. The centre will play a crucial role in the
identification of disease free High genetic merit bulls. In 2016, first ever e-PashudhanHaat
portal had been launched in order to facilitate the sale and purchase of high-quality breed / native
livestock and availability of good quality semen doses.
Till June 12, 2017, information about 15,831 live animals, 4.71 crore semen doses and 373 embryos
has been uploaded on this portal. Through this transparent high-level cattle market has been
established where sale and purchase of livestock and semen can be done without any middleman.
So far, 3 crore semen doses and 100 livestock have been sold on the portal.
----
BLUE REVOLUTION:
Blue Revolution has been concentrated on one point for all of its schemes related to the productivity
of water resources, fisheries, inland fisheries in order to enhance the security of fish rearers, marine
fisheries, mericulture and the development of the harbours for fishery farmers. Consequent upon
there has been an increasement in fisheries upto 19.75% and number of the insured fishermen
raised to 16%. It is mentionworthy here that government has enhance the amount to be given in
saving cum relief component from Rs. 600 to Rs. 1500 per month. Thus the accommodation
component amount for the fishermen has been enhanced from Rs. 75000 to Rs. 1.20 lakh and
for North Eastern States Rs. 1.30 lakh.
----

STUDENT READY PROGRAMME IN AGRICULTUE EDUCATION:
Earlier there were 4 year programmes for different streams in which there was less stress in skill
development and only 6 months rural demonstrations. At present rural demonstration progamme
has been extended for the whole one year resulting in the job provider degree holders instead of
job seeking ones. Along with the students will enjoy beneficial production processes through
industrial atmosphere which lead them to establish their own business in agricultural sector in the
time to come.
----
AGRICULTURE EDUCATION IS TO BE DECLARED AS PROFESSIONAL DEGREE:
Recently ICAR has declared agriculture, horticulture, fisheries and agro forestry stretched to 4 years
span as profession degrees. These degrees enable the students for obtaining fellowship,
admission in universities and different post graduation degrees abroad. They will impart
priority on the allocation of dealership of not only agriculture chemicals, tools and equipments but
also it will extend assistance for the processing, value addition, export oriented profession and
seeking loans from the banks.
----
PERSONNEL INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, DEPLOYMENT AND TRANSFER
SYSTEM:
Online computerized platforms have been prepared for both the above mentioned operations.
Through them one can get an expeditious knowhow about the strength of the scientists, their
existing status, deployment in specific unit as well as existing vacancies within no time. Through
this platform we have got information about such 468 scientists whose deployment was not as per
their sanctioned posts. The appropriate modifying measures have been taken in this respect.
Apart from this there will be a complete check on the discrepancies and the transfer of the
persons due to the lack of information about computerized deployment and transfer system.
----
PORTAL FOR E-GOVERNANCE:
The following portals have been made through the use of information and communication technology
which has carried out expeditious performance in a transparent way. The burning example of them
are ERP system, KVK knowledge portal, Management system for post graduation and
education, Educational and E-Learning module, E-Dialogue, Agriculture e-office and E-
Agriculture Mandi.

Moving ahead for Child Labour Free India [PIB]
Jun-2017
India has ratified the International Labour Organization’s Convention No 138 (minimum age for
employment) and Convention No 182 (worst forms of child labour) to symbolise its commitment
and initiatives for eradication of child labour and attainment of Sustainable Development Goal
8.7 related with curbing of child labour. The ratification of both conventions coincided with the World
Day against Child Labour expressing India‘s commitment along with global partners to fight the
menace of child labour and providing the childhood back to them.
With ratification of these two core ILO conventions, India has ratified 6 out of 8 core ILO
conventions, with the other 4 core ILO conventions relating to abolition of forced labour,
equal remuneration and no discrimination between men and women in employment and
occupation, thus reaffirming its commitment for promoting and realizing fundamental principles and
right at work. This action is in sync with the Government‘s broader intent for social equality and
growth for all.
Ratification of these 2 core conventions by India has not only national but international ramifications
for eradication of child labour as it means that almost all children (99%) in the world are covered
by Convention 182, while coverage of Convention 138 enhanced from approximately 60 percent to
almost 80% of the world‘s children population. India is the 170th ILO Member State to ratify
Convention No 138, which requires States to set a minimum age under which no one shall be
admitted to employment or work in any occupation, except for light work and artistic
performances. Similarly, for Convention No 182, India is the 181st member state to ratify and
reaffirm its commitment for the prohibition and elimination of worst forms of child
labour,including slavery, forced labour and trafficking; the use of children in armed conflict; use of
children for prostitution, pornography and in illicit activities ( such as drug trafficking); and hazardous
work.
Government of India has initiated various measures and realization of a multipronged strategy on
ground to move firmly towards a child labour free society. A landmark step in the endeavour to have
a child labour free society was the enactment of the Child labour (Prohibition and Prevention)
amendment Act, 2016 in August 2016 that provides for complete prohibition on employment of
children below 14 years in all occupations and processes and prohibits employment of
adolescents (14-18 years) in hazardous occupations and processes. The age of admission to
employment has been linked to the age of compulsory education under Right to Education Act
(RTE), 2009.
In order to facilitate compliance of the provisions of the Act, Government of India has also notified
the amendment in the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Central Rules after extensive
consultation with the stakeholders. The Rules for the first time provide broad and specific
framework for prevention, prohibition, rescue and rehabilitation of child and adolescent
workers. To clarify on issues related with help in family and family enterprises and definition of
family with respect to child, specific provisions have been incorporated in rules. Further, it also
provides for safeguards of artists which have been permitted to work under the Act, in terms
of hours of work and working conditions. The rules provide for specific provisions incorporating
duties and responsibilities of enforcement agencies in order to ensure effective implementation and
compliance of the provisions of the Act. In order to clarify the issues on Schedule of hazardous
occupations and processes, the Schedule has been reviewed and the intent notification has
been issued to include a comprehensive list of about 118 occupation and processes.

For fulfilment of the objective of a strong legislation, it requires equally strong tools on field to be
implemented and to provide this, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has already prepared a
comprehensive strategy for effective enforcement. Labour being in the concurrent list, an
elaborate Action Plan was sent to all State Governments‘ after enactment of the Legislation for
implementation and all the State Governments‘ have been sensitised about the major shift in the
legislation with the direction to spread the same to the ground level. To remove all ambiguities
a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is being framed for all stakeholders particularly,
enforcing agencies and this would be supported by IT Platform ―PENCIL‖ which has components
ensuring enforcement of the Act, mechanism for redressal of complaints, child tracking system and a
monitoring mechanism. This platform would integrate all the State Governments with the
Central Government for effective coordination and convergence of various measures being
taken for compliance of the Act.
To meet the objective of child labour free society, the National Child Labour Project (NCLP) has
been aligned with changes in the Act.NCLP is a rehabilitative scheme for child and adolescent
labour.Under the scheme, children are provided bridge education, vocational training, mid-day
meal, stipend, health check-up etc. This scheme has been strengthened recently in terms of
improving its quality and extending its coverage to all the districts of the country. The annual
expenditure under the Scheme for FY 2016-17 was apprx Rs. 105 Crore and budget allocation for
the current FY 2017-18 is Rs. 150 Crore.
There is historical precedence that curbing any social menace requires concerted action of
Government, civil society, corporates and most importantly community. When community awareness
and community monitoring are active it surely yields the desired result in less time. As mentioned
by Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi―After the total prohibition of child labour,
ratification of two conventions is yet another important step by Government of India in
protecting all our children from exploitation and abuse. However, it now remains a collective
responsibility of everyone to do their bit to remove the scourge of child labour from the country.‖
Other prominent members of the Civil Society groups and the child labour activists have widely
appreciated India‘s recent initiative for complete eradication of child labour.

Highlights of initiatives under NITI Aayog [PIB]
Jun-2017
NITI Ayog, The National Institution for Transforming India, was formed via a resolution of the
Union Cabinet on January 1, 2015.NITI Ayog has emerged as the premier policy ‗Think Tank‘ of
the Government of India fostering the spirit of cooperative federalism under the dynamic leadership
of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Ever since its inception the institution has taken a series of
initiatives aimed at giving a push to the economy and transforming the lives of millions across the
country.
Following are the highlights of the initiatives taken by NITI Ayog:
----
Vision Document, Strategy & Action Agenda beyond 12th Five Year Plan:
Replacing the Five Year Plans beyond 31st March, 2017, NITI Aayog is in the process of
preparing the 15-year vision document keeping in view the social goals set and/ or proposed
for a period of 15 years; A 7-year strategy document spanning 2017-18 to 2023-24 to convert the
longer-term vision into implementable policy and action as a part of a ―National Development
Agenda‖ is also being worked upon. The 3-year Action Agenda for 2017-18 to 2019-20, aligned to
the predictability of financial resources during the 14th Finance Commission Award period, has been
completed and will be submitted before the Hon‘ble PM on April 23rd at the 3rdGoverning Council
Meeting
----
Reforms in Agriculture:
a. Model Land Leasing Law
Taking note of increasing incidents of leasing in and out of land and suboptimal use of land with
lesser number of cultivators, NITI Aayog has formulated a Model Agricultural Land Leasing Act,
2016 to both recognize the rights of the tenant and safeguard interest of landowners. A
dedicated cell for land reforms was also set up in NITI. Based on the model act, Madhya Pradesh
has enacted separate land leasing law and Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand have modified
their land leasing laws. Some States, including Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, are
already at an advance stage of formulating legislations to enact their land leasing laws for
agriculture.
b. Reforms of the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee Act
NITI Aayog consulted with the States on 21 October 2016 on three critical reforms –
 1. Agricultural marketing reforms

 2. Felling and transit laws for tree produce grown at private land
 3. Agricultural land leasing

Subsequently, Model APMC Act version 2 prepared. States are being consulted to adopt APMC Act
version 2.
c. Agricultural Marketing and Farmer Friendly Reforms Index
NITI Aayog has developed the first ever „Agriculture Marketing and Farmer Friendly Reforms
Index‘ to sensitise states about the need to undertake reforms in the three key areas of
Agriculture Market Reforms, Land Lease Reforms and Forestry on Private Land(Felling and
Transit of Trees). The index carries a score with a minimum value ―0‖ implying no reforms and
maximum value ―100‖ implying complete reforms in the selected areas.

As per NITI Aayog‘s index, Maharashtra ranks highest in implementation of various agricultural
reforms. The State has implemented most of the marketing reforms and offers the best environment
for undertaking agri-business among all the States and UTs. Gujarat ranks second with a score of
71.50 out of 100, closely followed by Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Almost two third States have
not been able to reach even the halfway mark of reforms score, in the year 2016-17. The index aims
to induce a healthy competition between States and percolate best practices in implementing farmer-
friendly reforms.
-----
Reforming Medical Education
A committee chaired by Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog recommended scrapping of the Medical
Council of India and suggested a new body for regulating medical education. The draft
legislation for the proposed National Medical Commission has been submitted to the Government for
further necessary action.
----
Digital Payments Movement:
 [] An action plan on advocacy, awareness and co-ordination of handholding

efforts among general public, micro enterprises and other stakeholders was prepared.
Appropriate literature in print and multimedia was prepared on the subject for widespread
dissemination. Presentations/ interactions were organized by NITI Aayog for training and
capacity building of various Ministries/Departments of Government of India, representatives
of State/UTs, Trade and Industry Bodies as well as all other stakeholders.
 [] NITI Aayog also constituted a Committee of Chief Ministers on Digital Payments on
30th November 2016 with Hon‘ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Chandrababu Naidu,
as the Convener to promote transparency, financial inclusion and a healthy financial
ecosystem nationwide. The Committee submitted its interim report to Hon‘ble Prime Minister
in January 2017.
 [] To incentivize the States/UTs for promotion of digital transactions, Central assistance of
Rs. 50 crore would be provided to the districts for undertaking Information, Education and
Communication activities to bring 5 crore Jan Dhan accounts to digital platform.
 [] Cashback and referral bonus schemes were launched by Hon'ble Prime Minister on
14.4.2017 to promote the use of digital payments through the BHIM App.
 [] Niti Aayog also launched two incentive schemes to to promote digital payments across all
sections of society - the Lucky Grahak Yojana and the Digi Dhan Vyapar Yojana –Over 16
lakh consumers and merchants have won Rs. 256 crore under these two schemes .
 [] Digi Dhan Melas were also held for 100 days in 100 cities, from December 25th to April
14th.

----

Atal Innovation Mission:
The Government has set up Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) in NITI Aayog with a view to
strengthen the country‟s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem by creating institutions
and programsthat spur innovation in schools, colleges, and entrepreneurs in general. In 2016-17,
the following major schemes were rolled out:
 [] Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs): To foster creativity and scientific temper in students,
AIM is helping to establish 500 ATLs in schools across India, where students can design and
make small prototypes to solve challenges they see around them, using rapid prototyping
technologies that have emerged in recent years.
 [] Atal Incubation Centres (AICs): AIM will provide financial support of Rs.10 crore and
capacity buidling for setting AICs across India, which will help startups expand quicker and
enable innovation-entrepreneurship, in core sectors such as manufacturing, transport,
energy, education, agriculture, water and sanitation, etc.
----
Indices Measuring States’ Performance in Health, Education and Water Management:
As part of the Prime Minister‘s Focus on outcomes, NITI has come out with indices to measure
incremental annual outcomes in critical social sectors like health, education and water with a view
to nudge the states into competing with each other for better outcomes, while at the same time
sharing best practices & innovations to help each other - an example of competitive and cooperative
federalism..
----
Sub-Group of Chief Ministers on Rationalization of Centrally Sponsored Schemes:
Based on the recommendations of this Sub-Group, a Cabinet note was prepared by NITI Aayog
which was approved by the Cabinet on 3rd August, 2016. Among several key decision, the sub-
group led to the rationalization of the existing CSSs into 28 umbrella schemes.
----
Sub-Group of Chief Ministers on Swachh Bharat Abhiyan:
Constituted by NITI Aayog on 9th March, 2015, the Sub-Group has submitted its report to the
Hon‘ble Prime Minister in October, 2015 and most of its recommendations have been accepted.
----
Sub-Group of Chief Ministers on Skill Development:
Constituted on 9th March, 2015, the report of the Sub-Group of Chief Ministers on Skill Development
was presented before the Hon‘ble Prime Minister on 31/12/2015. The recommendation and
actionable points emerging from the Report were approved by the Hon‘ble Prime Minister and are in
implementation by the Ministry of Skill Development
----

Task Force on Elimination of Poverty in India:
Constituted on 16th March, 2015 under the Chairmanship of Dr. Arvind Panagariya, Vice Chairman,
NITI Aayog, the report of the Task Force was finalized and submitted to Hon‘ble Prime Minister on
11th July, 2016. The report of the Task Force primarily focusses on issues of measurement of
poverty and strategies to combat poverty. Regarding estimation of poverty, the report of the Task
Force states that ―a consensus in favour of either the Tendulkar or a higher poverty line did
not emerge. Therefore, the Task Force has concluded that the matter be considered in greater
depth by the country‘s top experts on poverty before a final decision is made. Accordingly, it is
recommended that an expert committee be set up to arrive at an informed decision on the level
at which the poverty line should be set.‖ With respect to strategies to combat poverty, the Task
Force has made recommendations on faster poverty reduction through employment intensive
sustained rapid growth and effective implementation of anti-poverty programs.
----
Task Force on Agriculture Development:
The Task Force on Agricultural development was constituted on 16th March, 2015 under the
Chairmanship of Dr. Arvind Panagariya, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog. The Task Force based on its
works prepared an occasional paper entitled ―Raising Agricultural Productivity and Making Farming
Remunerative for Farmers‖ focusing on 5 critical areas of Indian Agriculture. These are (i) Raising
Productivity, (ii) Remunerative Prices to Farmers, (iii) Land Leasing, Land Records & Land
Titles; (iv) Second Green Revolution-Focus on Eastern States; and (v) Responding to
Farmers’ Distress. After taking inputs of all the States on occasional paper and through their
reports, the Task Force submitted the final report to Prime Minister on 31st May, 2016. It has
suggested important policy measures to bring in reforms in agriculture for the welfare of the farmers
as well as enhancing their income.

Gorkhaland: A fair demand? [Debate]
Jun-2017
FOR THE VIEW: The Gorkhas need to be given respect
The issue of giving the Gorkha hill areas autonomy is over a hundred years old. Post-Independence,
the agitation by the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) spearheaded by Subhash
Ghising led to the creation of Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council in 1988. But a great opportunity was
lost both due to the intransigence of the West Bengal government and the corruption of Subhash
Ghising and his team.
There was peace, but the tensions remained below the surface as long as Subhash Ghising was
kept personally satisfied. As corruption skyrocketed, a breakaway faction led by Bimal Gurung
fastened on the public discontent and set up Gorkha Janmukti Morcha and demanded a separate
state of Gorkhaland.
The agitation had popular support and finally resulted in the creation of Gorkhaland Territorial
Administration in 2013 that promised greater autonomy to the Darjeeling hill district. In May 2017,
the announcement and the fear that Bengali language would be made a compulsory
subject from Class 1 to 10 in the state reignited the Gorkhaland agitation.
It is important to understand that the ethnic history and a distinct Nepali identity are the root
causes for the feeling of being separate 70 years after Independence, and the primary
responsibility for this is that of the state government. It is true that the average Bengali and the
state government have looked down upon the Gorkhas and treated them as second-class
citizens in West Bengal. Both experiments at granting limited autonomy have failed because the
state government has failed to grant genuine autonomy and adequate funds.
The autonomous bodies have been under a tight stranglehold of the state government and hardly
allowed to function in a manner that would give self-respect to the elected members of the
council and ensure that funds given were adequate and sufficient for the development of the hill
areas. Problems of posting of essential staff and ensuring their presence to complete development
projects remained.
This area close to the Siliguri corridor is of vital national interest and must get adequate
attention of both the state and the Central governments. The Gorkhas have played a
significant role in the Indian armed forces and need to be treated with respect. They are patriotic
Indians to the core and granting them substantial autonomy is not going to affect India‘s unity or
territorial integrity.
The Darjeeling district must be made an autonomous council under the 6th Schedule, similar
to the Bodo Council, and sufficient funds must be given so that they do not have to depend on the
state government for their day-to-day functioning. The elected officials and their staff have to be
given adequate training in running the council with full accountability for the funds received.
The Gorkhaland council will need to act in a manner that inspires confidence in the various
minority groups prevalent in the district and ensure their security. All stakeholders need to get to
the negotiating table at the earliest and bring about a peaceful atmosphere so that this beautiful
hill district is restored to its pristine glory as the Queen of the hills.
-- Written by G.K. Pillai, former Union home secretary.
++++

AGAINST THE VIEW: Autonomy will not solve the problem
The demand for regional autonomy and a separate state is not abnormal but quite natural in a
country like India with different traditions, languages and political cultures. The British colonial
arrangement was discontinued in 1956 when the States Reorganisation Act 1956 abolished
the provinces of British Indiaand the princely states and created new states based on
languages and ethnicity. From Potti Sriramulu‘s fast-unto-death movement (October 1952-15
December 1952), which created an unified Andhra Pradesh for Telegu-speaking people, to
the creation of Telangana in 2014 bifurcating the unified Andhra Pradesh, so many new states
have been created by our decision-makers. If we study the movements for separate statehood in our
country, one common pattern emerges — a peaceful method that is widely accepted in a
democratic setup like India. Potti Sriramulu dedicated his life for the creation of Andhra Pradesh.
The people of Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh or Telangana launched movement with
utmost patience and respect towards the democratic tradition of our country.
The Nepali-speaking people of Darjeeling raised their demand for a separate administrative
unit for Gorkhas in 1907. Till then, the movement remained largely peaceful and the political
system did not have any problems in accommodating some of their major demands except
statehood.
But the situation took an ugly turn when a violent movement for a separate state of Gorkhaland was
started by the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) led by Subhash Ghising in 1986. He
totally changed the language and methods of the movement. Killing innocent people, destroying
public property, driving political opponents away from the area — all these undemocratic
methods were used by Ghising and his group.
As a result of this irresponsible movement and the retaliation on the part of state administration,
many people lost their lives. Thecreation of the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council in 1988 did not
solve any problem, as from the very beginning the functioning of the new autonomous body
was marred by controversies, misadministration and allegations of misappropriation of
public money. The tradition continues. More autonomy will not solve the problem but may create
new ones. The experiment of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration proves it clearly.
Last, but not the least, the chief minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, has accused the
Gorkha Janamukti Morcha of getting foreign funding and having links with some dreaded Northeast
insurgent outfits. These allegations are coming from none other than the chief minister. Naturally,
these should be properly investigated and strong action should be taken against the perpetrators.
The creation of a separate state in the Darjeeling hills is not viable from any respect. All
experiments of autonomous council have failed miserably. We cannot go for more
experiments. Our decentralised, democratic structure gives every citizen of our country ample
opportunity to protect his or her individual or group interests. All the problems can be solved
within the existing decentralised state structure. There is no need of another autonomous council or
a separate state because it will aggravate the problem. The unity and integrity of our country must
be our first priority.
-- Written by Bimal Sankar Nanda, an associate professor at a college in Kolkata.

Center's Kashmir Strategy: Implications & Expectations [Blog]
Jun-2017
Background
 [] A video, showing a man tied to an army vehicle as a shield against the stone pelters
during polling in the Srinagar Lok Sabha by-election on April 9, triggered a public
outcry. It was Major Leetul Gogoi who ordered the man, said to be a stone thrower, to be
tied to the Rakshak vehicle to ensure a safe passage for the convoy he was leading. Later
Major Gogoi was honoured with a Chief of Army Staff (COAS) commendation card.
 [] The killing of Burhan Wani, a „commander‟ of the Hizbul Mujahideen, by
security forces in July last year set off a new cycle of violence in Kashmir that does not
seem to have ended to this day as stone-pelting is met with pellet guns.
 [] In 2015 March India‘s ruling BJP party sworn into government in Indian-administered
Kashmir for first time incoalition with local People‟s Democratic Party, with the latter‘s
Mufti Mohammad Sayeed as chief minister.
 [] After Uri attacks in September 2016 in which 18 Indian soldiers were killed India claimed
that it carried out ―surgical strikes‖ against suspected militants along the de-facto border
with Pakistan in Kashmir but Pakistan rejected the claims.

Change in Strategy!
Events indicate that the government is changing its strategy in Kashmir and conveying the message
that it mean business. The events indicating this change in recent times include:
 [] The army recommencing cordon and search operations,

 [] Announcing aggressive counter infiltration actions including destruction of Pakistani posts
to the press and,
 [] Awarding Major Gogoi on the Jeep tying incident.

Several opposition parties have said that India is losing Kashmir with the present prevailing
strategy.
It seems as if we don‘t have a strategy on Kashmir, it‘s all transactional policies. An event takes
place the security forces are brought in. This has marked Kashmir policy for years. The only
exceptional change was during Atal Bihari Vajpayee‘s government. He had a clear cut strategy to
take things forward, the back channelsalmost produced a solution then.
Issue
The government has put a condition that it would not engage any organisation for any kind of
dialogue if they do not believe in Indian constitution.
On the other hand the separatist forces like Hurriyat is in no mood of holding talks within the
framework of our constitution. The main issue is that the separatist do not want to talk within the
framework of the Constitution and the present government remains adamant on its conditional
dialogue.

The Kashmir problem
Political Problem:
 [] On one hand, India wants to integrate Jammu and Kashmir as a normal state of the Indian
Union.
 [] On the other hand, the Kashmiris stand is that an exceptional status under article 370 of
Indian constitutionhas been provided to Kashmir and it didn‘t happen as a one-off
discussion, two years of negotiations took place between the Jammu and Kashmir
leader Sheikh Abdullah and the central government on what the terms of agreement should
be.
 [] Kashmir has become a pressure cooker there no safety valves. Safety valves in a
democracy are elections, dialogue, peaceful protests. Much before stone pelting peaceful
protests were banned, people like Yasin Malik for peaceful protests.

Sense of alienation/discrimination:
 [] The voice of the youth has become the primary form of protest. While it was a gun in the
1990s from 2008 it is the stone pelting.
 [] The Sinha delegation report states that Kashmiris say India has failed them, that a
sense of discrimination pervades the Kashmiri minds, that there is a history of broken
commitments, that ‗India hasn‘t done enough to keep Kashmiris with it‘, that ‗there is a sense
of betrayal against India‘.
(Sinha delegation- A five-member team created by present government for Track-II
diplomacy)
 [] After Burhan Wani incident the whole valley south Kashmir rose as one. This shows
the deep turmoil and anger in the valley especially amongst the youth.
 [] The longer the political process is delayed the angst, especially amongst the youth, will
increase. The alienation will enhance hugely and we have a problem also of radicalization.

The Pakistan factor:
 [] Any disturbance in valley becomes an ideal situation for Pakistan to fish in trouble water

What needs to be done?

Maintaining robust security:
 [] Improve information gathering


Winning Hearts and Minds(WHAM):
 [] Follow a humane approach to Kashmiri people

 [] A congenial atmosphere needs to be created but not by using brute force
 [] Activities like the honoring Major Gogoi should be strictly avoided keeping in mind the
sensitivity of the Kashmiris.
 [] Innovative techniques such as tying a young man to the front of the Jeep gives us a bad
name. So instead of winning hearts and minds of people we will end up making people have
contempt for the army and mainland India.
 [] The Kashmiri youth must be brought into the mainstream.

Political process:
 [] Ours is accommodative democracy. We‘ll have to listen to the dissenting voices as well.
 [] Thus, unconditional political peace process must be initiated as soon as possible
 [] The central government should handle the issue with great aptitude
 [] The agenda of Alliance which the PDP and BJP signed before they came into power which
said they would have talks with everybody should be looked into.

Remarks
It‘s not as if unconditional talks have not been held in the past. Naga talks were unconditional and
we will have years of ceasefire and will be working towards the solution which will be within the
Constitution of India. Thus while we did not begin with the Constitution, we end with the Constitution.
Something similar can be done for kashmir also.
Mutli-dimensional talks and discussion rather than brute force is required to win the hearts of
Kashmiris. The Kashmir problem is much more than the territorial issue. The sense of
discriminationprevailing among youths in Kashmir and the increasing radicalization can be a
threat to the country‘s security and stability in future.
*****

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 [] Discouraging Unplanned Urbanization:

Wildlife Conservation- Steps required:

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 [] Making the country 100% free from open defecation

 [] Construction of household and community toilets.

Progress under Swachh Bharat Mission:

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Looking beyond sanitation:

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 1. Agricultural marketing reforms

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 [] An action plan on advocacy, awareness and co-ordination of handholding

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 [] The army recommencing cordon and search operations,

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The Pakistan factor:

What needs to be done?

 [] Improve information gathering

Winning Hearts and Minds(WHAM):

 [] Follow a humane approach to Kashmiri people

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