From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: labour day and international and national labour laws
Mains level: labour rights, issues over increasing working hours and labour laws
Central Idea
May 1st commemorates the historic Haymarket Square affair and is celebrated globally as International Labour Day or May Day. The day holds immense significance as it signifies the struggle of workers to secure their rights. However, the idea of reducing working hours to improve social welfare is still a dream for many in India, despite it being adopted by several countries. Instead, we see a growing trend of increasing working hours, especially in the garment and electronic industries, in the name of increasing productivity.
Significances of International Labour Day
Honouring the labour movement: International Labour Day is an occasion to pay tribute to the labour movement and honour the contributions of workers worldwide.
Celebrating the rights of workers: The day is an opportunity to celebrate the hard-won rights of workers, including the right to fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to form unions.
Advocating for workers’ rights: International Labour Day is also a platform to raise awareness about the need to protect and advocate for workers’ rights, particularly in countries where labour laws are weak or not enforced.
Recognizing the role of labour unions: Labour unions have played a significant role in securing better working conditions and benefits for workers. On International Labour Day, the contributions of labour unions are recognized and celebrated.
Promoting social justice: The day promotes social justice by advocating for fair treatment of workers, regardless of their gender, race, or other factors that may lead to discrimination or exploitation.
Remembrance of struggles: International Labour Day is also an opportunity to remember the struggles of workers in the past and the sacrifices made by those who fought for workers’ rights.
Building solidarity among workers: The day fosters a sense of solidarity among workers, encouraging them to come together to promote their rights and advocate for better working conditions.
What are the reasons behind growing trend of increasing working hours?
Global competition: Companies feel pressure to work longer hours to keep up with international competition and maintain their market share.
Cost-cutting: Employers may increase working hours to cut costs and boost productivity, rather than hiring more workers.
Increased demand: As demand for goods and services grows, companies may feel the need to work longer hours to meet that demand.
Technology: Advances in technology have made it easier to work remotely, leading to an expectation of being available and connected 24/7.
Flexibility: Employers may offer more flexible schedules, but with the expectation of working longer hours to complete tasks.
Emphasis on economic growth: Mainstream economists prioritize economic growth, even if it is at the expense of labor rights and human rights. They believe that working longer hours and increasing exports will lead to economic growth.
Subsidies and exemptions: Regional governments offer subsidies and exemptions to attract global and domestic capital, and employers may prefer weaker unions in exchange for these incentives.
Facts for prelims
International Labour Day
International Labour Day, also known as May Day, originated in the United States in the late 19th century when labor unions and socialist movements organized demonstrations and strikes calling for better working conditions, higher wages, and an eight-hour workday.
On May 1, 1886, workers in Chicago organized a massive protest rally, and the following days were marked by violent clashes between police and protesters.
In 1889, the International Socialist Conference declared May 1 as International Workers’ Day to commemorate the Chicago protests and honor workers around the world. Since then, May Day has been celebrated globally as a day to recognize the contributions of workers and to advocate for their rights and fair treatment.
Maharashtra day
May 1 is celebrated as Maharashtra Day to commemorate the formation of the state of Maharashtra.
On May 1, 1960, the Bombay Reorganization Act came into effect, and the state of Maharashtra and Gujarat were formed. Hence, May 1 is celebrated as Maharashtra Day in Maharashtra, India.
It is a public holiday in the state, and various cultural events and parades are held to mark the occasion.
What are the concerns over increasing working hours?
Adversely Affecting Health: Extending working hours can lead to physical and mental fatigue, stress, and burnout, which can affect the health of the workers. This, in turn, can lead to an increase in absenteeism, accidents, and medical costs.
Diminishing Marginal Productivity: As the hours of work increase, the efficiency and productivity of the worker may decrease, leading to a decline in the quality of output. It can also lead to a decrease in the quality of life of the workers, as they have less time for family and leisure activities.
Violation of Labour Rights: Increasing working hours can be a violation of the fundamental rights of the workers, as it denies them the right to rest and leisure, which are essential for the physical and mental well-being of the workers.
Job Insecurity: Increasing working hours can lead to job insecurity as employers may replace workers with automation or outsourcing to cut costs. It can also lead to a decline in wages, as employers may argue that they are paying for more working hours.
Adverse Impact on Women Workers: Increasing working hours can disproportionately affect women workers, who may be responsible for domestic chores and childcare. Long working hours can lead to a decline in their physical and mental health and an increase in their workload, which can have an adverse impact on their family life.
Why it is necessary to regulate working hours?
Protecting workers’ health: Working long hours can have adverse effects on workers’ physical and mental health. It can lead to fatigue, stress, sleep disorders, and other health issues.
Ensuring safety at the workplace: Workers who are overworked may become fatigued, which can increase the risk of accidents and injuries at the workplace. Regulating working hours can help ensure a safe and healthy work environment.
Promoting work-life balance: Long working hours can negatively impact workers’ personal lives, reducing their time with family and friends, and limiting their ability to engage in other activities outside of work. Regulating working hours can help promote a healthy work-life balance.
Enhancing productivity: Research has shown that working long hours can lead to a decline in productivity and an increase in errors and accidents. By regulating working hours, employers can ensure that workers are well-rested and productive.
Protecting workers’ rights: Regulating working hours is an essential component of protecting workers’ rights. It helps to prevent exploitation and ensures that workers are compensated fairly for their time and labor.
Conclusion
May Day serves as a reminder of the struggle of workers for their rights. In this context, India must prioritize the welfare of its labour force and regulate working hours to improve their social welfare. The government must ensure that labour laws are not weakened, and trade unions must unite to ensure that the rights of workers are protected. Multinational corporations must be held accountable for skilling their workers and not exploiting the cheap labour offered by developing countries. Only then can India move towards inclusive and sustainable development.
Mains Question
Q. There is a growing trend of increasing working hours, especially in the garment and electronic industries, in the name of increasing productivity. Discuss the reasons and discuss why it is necessary to regulate working hours?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: SDG's target and associated developments
Mains level: India's progress on SDG's and challenges
Central Idea
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the first meeting of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors under India’s G20 Presidency, expressed concern about the slowing down of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Given India’s large population, the success of achieving these goals is crucial for global progress. While India has made progress towards achieving some SDG targets, there are concerns regarding others.
India’s progress on SDG’s
Neonatal and under-five mortality: India is on target to meet the SDG indicators for neonatal and under-five mortality. Both indicators have substantially improved in the last five years.
Full vaccination: India is on target to meet the SDG indicator for full vaccination.
Improved sanitation: India is on target to meet the SDG indicator for improved sanitation. The country has made significant progress in this area in the last five years.
Electricity access: India is on target to meet the SDG indicator for electricity access.
Access to banking: The number of women having bank accounts has improved across a vast majority of the districts between the years 2016 and 2021.
Adolescent pregnancy: The SDG indicator for eliminating adolescent pregnancy has improved across a vast majority of the districts between the years 2016 and 2021.
Multidimensional poverty: The SDG indicator for reducing multidimensional poverty has improved across a vast majority of the districts between the years 2016 and 2021.
Women’s well-being and gender equality: India has made progress in increasing mobile phone access, with 93% of households having access to mobile phones. However, only 56% of women report owning a mobile phone.
Facts for prelims
Recent findings by National Family Health Survey
Multidimensional poverty declined: At a compounded annual average rate of 4.8 per cent per year in 2005-2011 and more than double that pace at 10.3 per cent a year during 2011-2021.
Declining child mortality: There are some issues with the 2011 child-mortality data, but for each of the 10 components of the MPI index, the rate of decline in 2011-2021 is considerably faster than in 2005-2011.
Average decline in overall indicators: The average equally weighted decline for nine indicators was 1.9 per cent per annum in 2005-2011 and a rate of 16.6 per cent per annum, more than eight times higher in 2011-2021.
Consumption inequality decline: Every single household survey or analysis has shown that consumption inequality declined during 2011-2021. This is consistent with the above finding of highly inclusive growth during 2011-2021.
Lessons from COVID-19 Approach
Leadership: Strong political leadership and responsive administrative structure are critical to success, and India’s COVID-19 response demonstrated that a mission-oriented ethos that provides adequate support for accomplishing district-level SDGs is urgently needed.
Infrastructure and Coordination: India’s success with COVID-19 was largely possible both because of the existing digital infrastructure, as well as new, indigenous initiatives such as the Co-WIN data platform and the Aarogya Setu application. Following these examples, India must put in place a coordinated, public data platform for population health management.
Targeted delivery: A targeted SDG strategy delivered at scale must be executed with the same timeliness of India’s COVID-19 relief package. Key to this relief programme was a mix of spending to provide direct in-kind and economic support, as well as measures aimed at revitalising the economy, small businesses, and agriculture.
Concerns regarding India’s progress towards achieving SDGs
Unequal progress across districts: While India is on target to meet 14 out of 33 SDG indicators, the progress is not uniform across all districts.
For example: neonatal and under-five mortality rates are on target for the country as a whole, but many districts are not on track to meet these indicators.
Pace of improvement: The current pace of improvement is not sufficient to meet the SDG targets for 19 out of 33 indicators.
For instance: despite a national policy push for clean fuel for cooking, more than two-thirds of districts remain off-target for this indicator.
Gender inequality: India is facing significant challenges in achieving gender-related SDG targets.
For example: no district in India has yet succeeded in eliminating the practice of girl child marriage before the legal age of 18 years. Also, despite the overall expansion of mobile phone access in India, only 56% of women report owning a mobile phone, with many districts remaining off-target for this indicator.
Multidimensional poverty: Although India has made progress in reducing multidimensional poverty, many districts are still off-track to meet this SDG indicator.
Environmental sustainability: India has made progress in some areas related to environmental sustainability, such as improved sanitation and access to electricity. However, the country is still off-target for indicators related to clean cooking fuel, water and handwashing facilities, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Way ahead
Implement targeted policies and programs that are aligned with the SDG goals, particularly for areas where progress has been slow or lacking.
Improve the digital infrastructure, and create a coordinated public data platform for population health management.
Ensure strong and sustained political leadership that is supported by a responsive administrative structure at all levels.
Prioritize and accelerate efforts to address gender inequality and women’s well-being.
Strengthen implementation and monitoring mechanisms to ensure timely and effective delivery of SDG policies and programs.
Foster partnerships between government, civil society, and the private sector to mobilize resources and expertise to achieve SDG targets.
Develop a decadal plan that outlines concrete steps and targets for achieving SDG goals in the next ten years.
Conclusion
India needs to innovate a new policy path to achieve its SDG targets, especially those related to population health and well-being, basic quality infrastructure, and gender equality. India’s successful COVID-19 response has shown that it is possible to deliver at scale in such an ambitious and comprehensive manner. To achieve SDG targets, India needs a similar concerted, pioneering, and nationwide effort.
Mains Question
Q. India’s progress towards SDGs id often described as mixed progress. While there have been positive improvements, there are still concerns that needs to be addressed. Discuss along with a way ahead.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Stray dog attack incidences
Central idea: Several incidents of stray dog attacks in Indian cities have shed light on the link between urban solid waste management and the issue of stray dogs.
Stray Dog Attacks in India
Cities have witnessed a sharp increase in the stray dog population, which as per the official 2019 livestock census stood at 1.5 crore.
However, independent estimates peg the number to be around 6.2 crore.
The number of dog bites has simultaneously doubled between 2012 and 2020.
Experts agree there may be a correlation between urbanisation and solid waste production, made visible due to the mismanagement of waste disposal.
Tepid animal birth control programmes and insufficient rescue centres, in conjunction with poor waste management, result in a proliferation of street animals in India.
Reasons behind
Poor waste management: Inadequate waste disposal facilities and the mismanagement of solid waste often lead to the congregation of stray dogs around garbage dumps and landfills, where they scavenge for food.
Unplanned urbanization: The population boom in Indian cities has led to a sharp increase in the stray dog population. Rapid urbanization has led to the creation of slums and unmanaged solid waste, which attract dogs.
Lack of food and shelter: The availability of food and shelter determines the carrying capacity of a city. In the absence of these facilities, free-ranging dogs become scavengers that forage around for food, eventually gravitating towards exposed garbage dumping sites.
Territoriality: Stray dogs often become territorial and aggressive about public spaces where they are fed, leading to increased attacks on humans.
Improper sterilization and rescue centres: Tepid animal birth control programmes and insufficient rescue centres, in conjunction with poor waste management, result in a proliferation of street animals in India.
Food wastage in India
A population boom in Indian cities has contributed to a staggering rise in solid waste production. Indian cities generate more than 150000 metric tonnes of urban solid waste every day.
According to a 2021 UNEP report, an estimated 931 million tonnes of food available to consumers ended up in households, restaurants, vendors and other food service retailers’ bins in 2019.
Indian homes on average also generated 50 kg of food waste per person.
The presence of free-roaming dogs in urban areas is determined by the “carrying capacity” of a city, which is the availability of food and shelter.
Urban Stray Dogs and Waste Disposal
Food and shelter: The wastage food often serves as a source of food for hunger-stricken, free-roaming dogs that move towards densely-populated areas in cities, such as urban slums which are usually located next to dumping sites.
Sanitation assists food hunt: In the absence of proper sanitation and waste disposal facilities, stray dogs become scavengers that forage for food around exposed garbage dumping sites.
Impact of Unplanned and Unregulated Urban Development
ABC Program: Under Animal Birth Control (ABC) program, municipal bodies trap, sterilize, and release dogs to slow down the dog population. This approach aims to control the number of strays while avoiding the inhumane practice of killing them.
Rabies Control Measures: Another anchor of India’s response is rabies control measures, including vaccination drives. Rabies is a fatal disease that can be transmitted to humans through dog bites. Thus, preventing rabies is essential in addressing the issue of stray dogs.
Informal Measures: These include mass killing of dogs in states like Kerala, which is a controversial practice as it is often inhumane and does not address the root causes of the issue. Other measures include imposing bans on the entry of stray dogs in colonies or feeding them in public.
Why address stray dog attacks issue?
Adds Vulnerability to the poor: The disproportionate burden of dog bites may also fall on people in urban slums, which are usually located in close proximity to dumping sites.
Exposes harsher realities: The rise in such attacks speak to core issues of lack of serviced affordable urban housing for all, lack of safe livelihood options and improper solid waste management”.
Empathizing the strays
Abandoned, not strayed: Stray dogs are sentient social beings capable of feeling pain, fear, and joy. Urban living patterns have largely impacted their abandonment.
Subjected to abuse: They are often victims of neglect, abuse, and abandonment, and are forced to survive in harsh conditions on the streets.
Neglected community guardians: Stray dogs can serve as community guardians by alerting us to potential dangers and can also provide emotional support to humans.
Way forward
Improve waste management: Efficient management of solid waste can help reduce the availability of food for stray dogs and limit their population growth.
Increase vaccination and sterilization: ABC and vaccination programs should be implemented in a more organized and efficient manner to control the stray dog population and the spread of rabies.
Encourage responsible feeding practices: Regulating feeding around bakeries and restaurants and improving waste management in public spaces can reduce the carrying capacity of the environment for stray dogs and minimize the congregation of dogs in certain areas.
Develop national policy: There is a need for a comprehensive national policy that addresses the issue of stray dogs and their management in a more systematic and humane manner.
Stop gruesome brutality: Stopping brutality towards dogs is a crucial step towards creating a more compassionate and just management of stray dogs menace.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GNI Project
Mains level: Read the attached storye
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has now flagged alleged discrepancies with respect to the forest clearance granted for the ₹72,000-crore Great Nicobar Island (GNI) Project.
What is GNI Project?
The GNI Project refers to the “Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island,” a proposed mega project being piloted by NITI Aayog.
The project aims to develop the southern end of the Andaman and Nicobar group of Islands in the Bay of Bengal by constructing –
Transshipment port
Dual-use military-civil international airport
Power plant and
A township over a span of 30 years on more than 160 sq. km of land, of which 130 sq. km is primary forest
Features of the Project
Transshipment hub of the East: The proposed port will allow Great Nicobar to participate in the regional and global maritime economy by becoming a major player in cargo transshipment.
Naval control: The port will be controlled by the Indian Navy, while the airport will have dual military-civilian functions and will cater to tourism as well.
Urban amenities: Roads, public transport, water supply and waste management facilities, and several hotels have been planned to cater to tourists.
Significance of the project
(1) Economic significance
Making India transshipment giant: The proposed port would allow GNI to become a significant player in cargo transshipment, as it is positioned equidistant from Colombo, Port Klang (Malaysia), and Singapore.
En-route of busiest shipping lane: It located close to the East-West international shipping corridor that sees a vast amount of the world’s shipping trade.
Huge source of revenue: The proposed ICTT can potentially become a hub for cargo ships travelling on this route.
(2) Strategic significance
Securing IOR: The proposal to develop GNI has been on the table since the 1970s, and it has been highlighted repeatedly as a crucial element for national security and consolidation of the Indian Ocean Region.
Critical shipping chokepoint: Great Nicobar is equidistant from Colombo to the southwest and Port Klang and Singapore to the southeast, the region through which a very large part of the world’s shipping trade passes.
Oceanic outpost: The ANI is an oceanic outpost for continental India.
Combatting Chinese presence: In recent years, the escalating Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean has added greater urgency to this imperative.
Issues with the Project
Threat to Biodiversity: The construction of the port, airport, and township, and the influx of people that the project is expected to bring, are likely to result in habitat destruction, fragmentation, and degradation, which could threaten the survival of several species.
Displacement of Indigenous Tribes: GNI is home to two isolated and indigenous tribes, the Shompen and the Nicobaris, who have lived on the island for thousands of years. The project could displace these tribes and disrupt their way of life and culture.
Deforestation: The project is expected to result in the cutting down of an estimated 8.5 lakh trees in the island’s prehistoric rainforests, which could have a significant impact on the island’s ecology and biodiversity.
Lack of Adequate Environmental and Social Impact Assessments: The project has received several easy clearances with uncharacteristic haste, raising questions about the adequacy of environmental and social impact assessments.
Fragile Topography: Experts have raised several concerns relating to the tectonic volatility and disaster vulnerability of the islands, which have experienced nearly 444 earthquakes in the past 10 years. The tribal communities, who were displaced in the 2004 Tsunami, are still recovering from its impact.
Concerns highlighted by the NCST
(1) Discrepancies with FRA Compliance
The island administration did not recognise or grant ownership of any forest land to local tribespeople as per FRA, a requisite step under the Forest Conservation Rules, 2017, before Stage-I clearance is granted.
This is despite the fact that Rule 6(3)(e) of Forest Conservation Rules-2017 (FCR) requires that any diversion of forest land first requires the District Collector to recognise and vest rights to locals under the FRA.
The legislation allows forest communities the right to control and manage the use of the forest land over which they hold titles, and their consent is mandatory for diverting it.
(2) Inconsistencies with Stage-I Clearance
The Stage-I clearance for the project was granted in October 2022, two years after the application was received.
Monthly progress reports show that the district administration did not process any claims over forest land under the FRA in the 26 months since project sanction.
A Gram Sabha meeting was called with less than a day’s notice to villagers where a resolution was passed consenting to the diversion of forest land for the project.
(3) Withdrawal of Consent
Weeks after the Stage-I clearance was granted, the Tribal Council at Campbell Bay withdrew the consent granted by the Gram Sabha.
NCST alleged that the minutes of the meeting were typed after securing members’ signatures.
Back2Basics: National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)
Description
Formation
NCST was set up with effect from 19th February, 2004.
Created by inserting a new article 338A in the Constitution through the 89th Constitution Amendment Act, 2003.
Hence a constitutional body.
Objective
To oversee the implementation of various safeguards provided to STs under the Constitution or under any other law for time being in force or under any other order to the Government and to evaluate the working of such safeguards.
Composition
It consists of a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson and 3 other Members who are appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal.
At least one member should be a woman.
The Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson and the other Members hold office for a term of 3 years.
The members are not eligible for appointment for more than two terms.
The Chairperson has been given the rank of Union Cabinet Ministers, the Vice Chairperson has the rank of a Minister of State and other Members have the rank of a Secretary to the Government of India.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bihan Mela
Mains level: Not Much
Central idea: Since 2019, the Kondh tribe in Nayagarh district, Odisha has been celebrating the Bihan Mela, or the seed festival, to promote the revival of indigenous farming.
Bihan Mela
This event involves the collection and preservation of indigenous seeds, and farmers from 40 villages in Dasapalla block participate in the festival.
After harvesting kharif crops, women collect the seeds of indigenous varieties and store them in earthen pots.
On a designated day in December, they decorate the pots with red and white motifs, place them in a bamboo basket and carry them on their heads to the village where the fair is being organized.
Men accompany them, beating drums and other traditional instruments.
Objectives
The seed festival was introduced to help farmers return to their traditional ways of farming, like mixed-cropping, which is more resilient to erratic rainfall and pest attacks.
In recent years, farmers have abandoned native crops and varieties that are naturally resistant to pests and better suited to the region’s climate.
Commercialization through this festival: Seed Bank
To facilitate access to indigenous seeds, Nirman, a non-profit that works with the tribe on forest rights and agro-ecological farming, set up a seed bank in Raisar village in 2019.
The bank collects and preserves indigenous seeds from across Kondh villages and lends those out to farmers.
The bank now boasts of 62 varieties of paddy, four varieties of millets, five varieties of pulses, and eight vegetables.
The bank is open to all Kondh farmers and has benefitted 750 families so far.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Zafar Mahal
Mains level: Not Much
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is set to initiate conservation works at Zafar Mahal in south Delhi’s Mehrauli.
Zafar Mahal
Zafar Mahal, located in Mehrauli village, South Delhi, India, is considered the last monumental structure built during the fading years of the Mughal era.
The palace was built in the 18th and 19th centuries, with a forlorn history due to the deportation of the last Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar II, by the British.
The monument is now in a neglected and ruined state and locals often play cricket and gamble inside the protected monument.
History
The Mughal dynasty ended after 332 years when the last Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar II (1837–1857) was deported to Rangoon, Burma, now Myanmar from the imperial city of Delhi.
The palace had graves in the precincts of Zafar Mahal built within a marble screen enclosure by Jahandar Shah for his father Bahadur Shah I and others who followed, and is a minor reflection of the history of the place.
Bahadur Shah Zafar II, who wished to be buried in the precincts of the palace, was buried in Rangoon.
The palace used to be visited by Bahadur Shah Zafar II for hunting during the monsoon season, and he was honoured here during the Phool Walon Ki Sair festival held in February/March.
Key Structures
Zafar Mahal consists of the Mahal or the palace, built in the 18th century, and the entrance gate, reconstructed in the 19th century.
The palace is a three-storied structure in red sandstone embellished with marble, and the gate is imposing with an 11.75 feet opening at the entrance.
A masjid called the Moti Masjid, built by Bahadur Shah I, was also located within the palace precincts.
The palace now sits in a dilapidated condition and its restoration is limited by the inadequate documents to deduce the original construction details.
Demolished or Illegally Occupied Structures
Zafar Mahal used to be a huge palace consisting of many other structures that are no longer present or occupied by local residents.
These structures include the Diwan-e-Khaas of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the house of Mirza Babur, the Baoli of Aurangzeb, the house of Mirza Nili, the Thana of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the house of Mirza Salim, and the Khwas Pura.
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