Subject: GS 2
Syllabus: Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the population by the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes; Mechanisms, Laws, Institutions and Bodies constituted for the Protection and Betterment of these Vulnerable Sections.
Questions
- Institutes created for the betterment of vulnerable sections are themselves in need of betterment. Discuss? (250 Words, 15 Marks)
- India's asymmetrical federalism has contributed to maintaining national unity by addressing the needs of various vulnerable communities. Critically analyze. (150 Words, 10 Marks)
Model Structure
1. Institutes created for the betterment of vulnerable sections are themselves in need of betterment. Discuss? (250 Words, 15 Marks)
Model Structure
Introduction:
- Vulnerable groups are those groups of people who are not resilient and lack stability in leading a comfortable life, even by the slightest disturbance their stability can be disturbed.
- In the Indian context old age people, physically disabled, sexual minorities, women, lower caste, and class groups for vulnerable sections of society.
Main Body:
Institutes working for the betterment of vulnerable sections:
- National Commission for Scheduled Castes.
- National Commission for Backward Classes.
- National Commission for Safai Karamcharis.
- National Commission for Scheduled Tribes – NCST.
- The Rehabilitation Council of India.
- The Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities
- The National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities.
- National Commission for Women
- National Commission for Protection of Child Rights.
- National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.
- National Human Rights Commission
Reasons for failure:
- Failure in execution: The mandate is inclusive to a large extent but the bodies fail to implement the provisions using the existing mechanisms.
- The recent incidents of Kathua and reports of NCRB (National Crime Record Bureau) highlighting increased violence by 300% depict the failure of the National Commission for Women.
- Dilution of principles: Successive legislation and judgments have weakened provisions of the institutions.
- The amendment to Forest Act 2006 has impacted the working of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes and affected their livelihood and community rights.
- Non-comprehensive mandates: The mandate of institutions and citizen charter designed for it is non-inclusive.
- For example, the failure to include intersex provisions in National Commission for Transgender Persons has side lined a large chunk of its benefits.
- Toothless tigers: Many courts have commented on these bodies as “toothless tigers” as they lack the investigation and power to punish the deviants. They are dependent on courts for writs.
- Lack of funding avenues: Poor finances of the institutions lead to poor performance. They are dependent on the central government for their operations.
Measure to improve the functioning:
- Adoption of zero-tolerance policy: This has to be adopted against deviants by the bodies to ensure deterrence.
- Making institutions responsive and accountable: The institutions can be subjected to social audits annually and adopt ICT tools in line with the PRAGATI portal.
- Decentralization: Active involvement of local bodies and citizens makes the commissions more citizen-centric and transparent.
- Process reforms: The redesigning of citizen charters, gaining penal provisions, and integration with related ministries and commissions can shift institutions' focus towards result orientation.
Conclusion:
- Attitudinal problems, red-tapism, and lack of accountability have pulled down the functioning of the institutions meant for vulnerable sections.
- As they are directed towards weaker sections it is important for their success in ensuring egalitarian society and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Ensure inclusivity and equality).
2. India's asymmetrical federalism has contributed to maintaining national unity by addressing the needs of various vulnerable communities. Critically analyze. (150 Words, 10 Marks)
Introduction
- Asymmetrical federalism in India refers to the differentiated relationship that the central government has with different states or regions based on their unique needs and circumstances. (E.g. Article 371)
Main BodyRole of asymmetrical federalism in maintaining national unity
- Accommodation of Diversity: By making special provisions for certain regions, it caters to the unique socio-economic and political needs of these regions, thereby accommodating diversity.
- Addressing Historical Injustices: Special provisions like those for the North-Eastern states (Article 371A-J) acknowledge historical injustices and the unique political circumstances of these states, which fosters a sense of belonging and trust among these communities towards the Indian Union.
- Protecting Vulnerable Communities: Asymmetrical federalism protects the cultural and social rights of vulnerable communities. For example, the Sixth Schedule provides for autonomous districts in tribal areas, allowing them to govern themselves according to their customary laws.
- Preventing Secessionist Tendencies: By granting special autonomy and addressing specific issues, asymmetrical federalism has also played a role in managing and preventing secessionist tendencies in various parts of India.
Shortcomings of asymmetrical federalism
- Perpetuating Regional Imbalances: Critics argue that asymmetrical federalism can sometimes exacerbate regional imbalances, as certain regions receive more attention and resources than others.
- Encouraging Parochial Identities: The emphasis on local and regional identities might perpetuate parochial sentiments, impeding the cultivation of a pan-Indian identity.
- Manipulation for Political Gains: Special provisions can sometimes be manipulated for political gains. For instance, President's Rule has often been imposed in states based on arbitrary justifications, undermining federal principles.
- Uneven Implementation: The implementation of the provisions of asymmetrical federalism has often been uneven, leading to discontent among certain sections.
Conclusion
- Asymmetrical federalism in India, in its essence, captures the ethos of unity in diversity. However, it is essential to ensure that these provisions are not misused for political gains and that their implementation is consistent and fair.
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