MAINS DAILY QUESTIONS & MODEL ANSWERS
Q1. Analyze the implications of the recent Supreme Court judgment that allows the sub-classification of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) within the reserved quota. How does this decision reconcile with the principle of equality enshrined in the Indian Constitution? Discuss the potential impact of this judgment on the socio-economic dynamics of the SC and ST communities.
GS III – Polity and Governance
Introduction:
- The Supreme Court of India recently delivered a landmark judgment that allows states to sub-classify Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) within the reserved quota. This decision marks a significant shift in the approach to affirmative action policies in India, which have traditionally treated SCs and STs as homogenous groups. The ruling enables states to identify and provide additional benefits to the most disadvantaged sub-groups within these communities.
Implications of the Judgment:
- Targeted Affirmative Action:The judgment allows for a more nuanced approach to reservations by ensuring that the benefits reach the most marginalized sections within SCs and STs. This can help address intra-group inequalities that have persisted despite decades of affirmative action.
- Potential for Socio-Economic Upliftment:By allowing sub-classification, the judgment could potentially uplift the most disadvantaged within the SC and ST communities, who may have been left behind in the broader reservation policies.
- Legal and Constitutional Reconciliation:The judgment reconciles with the principle of equality by ensuring that those who are most in need within the SCs and STs receive the intended benefits. It aligns with the concept of substantive equality, which goes beyond formal equality to address historical and structural disadvantages.
- Challenges to Implementation:The decision may face challenges in implementation, such as accurately identifying sub-groups and avoiding administrative complexities. There is also a risk of deepening divisions within SC and ST communities if not handled sensitively.
Potential Impact on Socio-Economic Dynamics:
- Intra-Community Dynamics:The sub-classification could lead to a more equitable distribution of resources within SC and ST communities, but it may also create tensions between different sub-groups, particularly if the process is perceived as unfair.
- Political Implications:The decision may influence electoral dynamics, as political parties might realign their strategies to appeal to specific sub-groups within SCs and STs.
- Long-Term Impact on Reservation Policies:This judgment may set a precedent for more targeted affirmative action policies across other marginalized groups, potentially leading to a rethinking of reservation policies in India.
Conclusion:
- The Supreme Court’s decision to allow the sub-classification of SCs and STs within the reserved quota is a progressive step towards achieving substantive equality. However, its success will depend on careful implementation and the ability to address potential challenges. This judgment has the potential to significantly alter the socio-economic landscape of SC and ST communities, paving the way for a more just and equitable society.
Q2. Examine the various factors contributing to the increasing frequency and intensity of landslides in India, particularly in the Himalayan and Western Ghats regions. Discuss the measures taken by the Indian government to mitigate landslide risks and suggest additional strategies that could be implemented to enhance landslide management and prevention.
GS III – Disaster Management
Introduction:
- Landslides are one of the most common natural disasters in India, particularly affecting the Himalayan and Western Ghats regions. The increasing frequency and intensity of landslides in these regions are a result of both natural and anthropogenic factors. Understanding these contributing factors and the measures taken by the government is crucial for effective disaster management.
Factors Contributing to Landslides:
- Geological and Tectonic Activity:
- The Himalayas, being young fold mountains, are prone to landslides due to ongoing tectonic activities that cause instability in the terrain.
Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events:
- Increased frequency of intense rainfall due to climate change has led to more frequent landslides, especially in the Western Ghats during the monsoon season.
Deforestation and Land Use Changes:
- Large-scale deforestation for agriculture, infrastructure development, and urbanization has destabilized slopes, making them more susceptible to landslides.
Unplanned Construction and Mining:
- Rapid urbanization and mining activities in hilly regions have further weakened the geological structures, exacerbating the risk of landslides.
Government Measures for Landslide Risk Mitigation:
Landslide Hazard Zonation:
- The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has been instrumental in creating landslide hazard zonation maps that identify and categorize regions based on their susceptibility to landslides.
National Landslide Risk Management Strategy:
- The government has developed a comprehensive strategy that includes both structural (e.g., slope stabilization) and non-structural (e.g., early warning systems) measures for landslide risk management.
Landslide Early Warning Systems:
- India has initiated efforts to set up early warning systems in landslide-prone areas, using technologies like remote sensing and GIS to predict landslides and reduce the loss of life and property.
Suggestions for Enhancing Landslide Management:
Community-Based Landslide Risk Management:
- Engaging local communities in disaster preparedness and response can significantly improve resilience against landslides. This includes educating residents about warning signs and safe evacuation routes.
Sustainable Development Practices:
- Promoting sustainable land use practices, such as afforestation, controlled construction, and the use of bioengineering techniques for slope stabilization, can reduce the risk of landslides.
Strengthening Infrastructure and Monitoring:
- Enhancing the resilience of critical infrastructure (roads, bridges) in landslide-prone areas and establishing continuous monitoring systems to detect early signs of slope instability can prevent disasters.
Research and Capacity Building:
- Investing in research on landslide dynamics and improving the capacity of local and national agencies to respond to landslides effectively is essential for long-term risk reduction.
Conclusion:
- The increasing threat of landslides in India requires a multi-faceted approach that includes understanding the underlying causes, implementing effective mitigation strategies, and ensuring the active participation of local communities. While the government has taken significant steps in landslide risk management, continuous efforts in research, policy implementation, and capacity building are necessary to minimize the impact of landslides on lives and livelihoods.
