Rights Issues

Context: The underrepresentation of SC/ST and OBC officers in senior civil service roles underscores the prevailing dominance of upper castes within the bureaucracy. Challenges in Achieving Social Justice: Underrepresentation of SC/ST Officers: The limited presence of SC/ST officers in high-level government positions restricts their impact on policy-making. For example, only …

Context: In India, although over half of the 642 million eligible voters are women, women’s safety issues receive little attention from political candidates, highlighting a significant discrepancy. Current Situation: Daily, approximately 90 rape cases are reported, nearly half of the women experience domestic violence, and two-thirds of Dalit women face …

Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 Overview Background: The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which aims to reform the governance of Waqf properties, has been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee following opposition protests. Definition of Waqf Property Waqf: This refers to a donation of personal property by Muslims for religious, charitable, or …

Context The Bihar Assembly passed the ‘Bihar Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill’ to address question paper leaks and other malpractices in government recruitment examinations. Recent Cases of Paper Leaks NEET-UG medical entrance examination, 2024 Rajasthan Eligibility for Elementary Teachers, 2023 Uttarakhand Subordinate Service Selection Commission Examination, 2023 UP …

Context The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to frame a model policy on menstrual leave for women employees. This directive highlights the need for recognizing menstrual leave, which offers time off for those experiencing period pains, similar to sick leave. Currently, menstrual leave is not covered under standard sick …

A stampede occurred during a religious gathering in Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras district. What is a Stampede? A stampede is a “disruption of the orderly movement of crowds leading to injuries and fatalities,” often in response to a perceived danger, loss of physical space, or to attain something seen as gratifying. …

Introduction The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, popularly known as the Forest Rights Act (FRA), is a landmark legislation in India. It aims to address historical injustices faced by Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFDs) and empower them by …

Introduction The Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act, 2013, is a landmark legislation in India that aims to create safe and secure working environments for women. This Act defines, prohibits, and lays down the procedures for the prevention and redressal of sexual harassment at workplaces. Let’s delve deeper into the …

  Concept: The UNHRC is a subsidiary body of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) responsible for promoting and protecting human rights worldwide. It was established in 2006, replacing the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR), with the aim of addressing the shortcomings of its predecessor and enhancing the …

The Constitution of India guarantees certain fundamental rights to all citizens, including the right to work, the right to fair wages, the right to form unions, and the right to social security. Some important labour laws in India Minimum Wages Act, 1948 Factories Act, 1948 Payment of Wages Act, 1936 …