| PYQ Relevance: Q) Women empowerment in India needs gender budgeting. What are requirements and status of gender budgeting in the Indian context? (UPSC CSE 2016) Q) What are the continued challenges for Women in India against time and space? (UPSC CSE 2019) Q) “Though women in post-Independent India have excelled in various fields, the social attitude towards women and feminist movement has been patriarchal.” Apart from women education and women empowerment schemes, what interventions can help change this milieu? (UPSC CSE 2021) Q) To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India? (UPSC CSE 2021) |
Mentor’s Comment: “Karmanye Vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana” – This shloka (Bhagavad Gita 2.47) emphasizes duty and accountability, reminding leaders that their actions should serve the public good without selfish motives.
The Kolkata rape case has ignited a significant justice movement, centered around the brutal rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College. The tragic incident occurred on August 14, 2024, leading to widespread public outrage.
On September 5, thousands switched off their lights from 9 PM to 10 PM as a symbolic gesture of frustration over the government’s inaction. Protesters formed human chains along major roads, uniting diverse groups including doctors, nurses, and students under a common cause reflecting a collective demand for justice and safety. Prominent figures from different fields have joined the movement, amplifying its visibility and urgency.
Is this the first time in India that we are facing such an issue?
In today’s editorial, we will be studying how one cause can impact the overall social being of humans.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The brutal rape and murder of a young doctor in Kolkata has ignited widespread protests, revealing deep-seated anger and frustration among citizens regarding safety and justice for women in the city.
- Kolkata, known as the “City of Joy,” has recently transformed into a battleground for justice following a tragic incident that shook the community from the core.
| Ongoing People-Government Dynamics in Kolkata: • Junior doctors are on a hunger strike demanding “Justice for RG Kar” with a 10-point charter. Thousands demonstrated during cultural festivals like ‘Durga Pooja’, showing solidarity with the doctors. • The movement largely involves middle and upper-middle-class citizens grown without political party leadership, highlighting fears about safety and educational aspirations. • Despite recent support for the state government, citizens are now demanding accountability from the government. |
What are the Socio-economic impacts of such movements?
- Socio-economic Decline: The state’s investment and GDP share has steadily decreased, with a precarious employment situation worsened by corruption.
- The movement reflects growing discontent over economic decline and threats to upward mobility in West Bengal.
- Corruption: Allegations of corruption in R. G Case linked to the murder case suggest a corrupt syndicate within the health system. There is also evidence that the state and local government schemes are manipulated to maintain loyalty to the ruling party.
- Public Sentiment and Trust issues: People don’t need political parties to intervene now, they just need justice and freedom to move independently and access education securely.
- Even the minority sections of Muslims are also victims of the corrupt practices of state government, but the powerful secular alternative is still lagging.
- Question on Recruitment process: Rampant corruption has eroded fairness in government job recruitment, highlighted by the arrest of the former Education Minister in a scam.
- Question on Justice System: The concept of justice has become a focal point for citizens expressing their grievances against systemic corruption and unfairness.
Initiatives taken by the Judiciary:
The Supreme Court initiated proceedings on its suo-moto cognizance due to the gravity of the incident, despite the case being under the Calcutta High Court’s jurisdiction.
- On Governance: The Court expressed dissatisfaction with the West Bengal government’s “tardy” progress in implementing safety measures.
- A 10-member National Task Force was established to ensure the safety of healthcare professionals across India.
- On Privacy: It reiterated that no intermediary should disclose the victim’s information, aiming to protect her family’s privacy.
- On Accountability: The Court highlighted concerns over police procedural delays, questioning why the post-mortem was conducted before an FIR was registered and calling for accountability in handling such serious cases.
Way Forward: The nexus between social issues and justice in Kolkata underscores a critical moment where public outcry against systemic failures is challenging state governance. The ongoing protests reflect a broader demand for accountability, safety, and social justice, signaling potential shifts in both public sentiment and political dynamics.
