Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO)
Why in News?
The Karnataka police have initiated legal proceedings against former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa under the POCSO Act following a sexual assault complaint by the mother of a minor girl.
Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act
- In compliance with India’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1992.
- Addresses offences of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children.
- Defines children as persons below the age of 18 years.
- Classifies sexual abuse into categories such as penetrative assault, non-penetrative assault, sexual harassment, and pornography.
- Requires cases of child sexual abuse to be disposed of within one year.
- Amended in 2019 to provide more stringent punishment, including death penalty.
- Establishes Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) and Exclusive POCSO Courts for swift trials.
- Despite efforts, a World Bank study found that a significant percentage of trials end in acquittals.
- The POCSO Rules 2020 mandate educational material and curriculum for children regarding personal safety.
Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013
- Replaced the Vishaka guidelines with a legally binding framework.
- Imposes a legal obligation on employers to prohibit sexual harassment and constitute Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs).
- ICC has the power of a civil court and must complete inquiries within 90 days.
- District Officers are mandated to take action on reports within 60 days.
- The Justice Verma Committee recommended setting up Employment Tribunals.
One Stop Centre Scheme (OSC)
- Launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development to provide support and assistance to women affected by violence, including harassment.
Mahila Police Volunteers (MPVs)
- Female volunteers trained to assist women in distress.
National Commission for Women (NCW)
- Established as a statutory body to investigate and intervene in cases of harassment, discrimination, and violence against women.
e-Samvat Portal
- Launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development to facilitate the filing of complaints related to harassment.
Women Helpline (181)
- Operates a national toll-free helpline number (181) to provide assistance and support to women facing harassment.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme
- Promotes the girl child and addresses the issue of female foeticide.
Practice Question – Mains GS – III
Evaluate key policies, laws, and programs introduced by the Indian government to combat sexual harassment, highlighting their impact on society and the challenges faced in their implementation. (250 words, 15 marks)
Freshwater Crisis
Why in News?
Farmers and residents in Kodagu are facing severe scarcity of fresh water, with borewells and wells drying up due to the lack of rainfall and inadequate water management measures by authorities.
Introduction
Global crisis of freshwater availability and access has emerged as one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century. It is a combination of environmental, socio-economic, and political factors. Understanding the root causes of this crisis is crucial for devising effective strategies to address it.
Key Reasons for Water Crisis
- Population Growth and Urbanization: Increased water demand for domestic, industrial, and agricultural purposes exacerbates scarcity in already stressed regions. For example, Chennai faced a severe water crisis in 2019.
- Climate Change: Disruption of traditional precipitation patterns by climate change leads to droughts, floods, and unpredictable water availability. For instance, Cape Town experienced a drought crisis resulting in "Day Zero."
- Pollution and Contamination: Improper waste disposal, chemical runoff, and untreated sewage discharge degrade water quality. Over 80% of wastewater is released without treatment, contributing to pollution, as seen in the Ganges.
- Unsustainable Water Management Practices: Lack of regulation and enforcement mechanisms lead to overexploitation through irrigation and mining. Examples include the Aral Sea and Lake Kolleru.
- Conflicts and Governance Issues: Disputes over shared water resources exacerbate tensions between nations, regions, and communities. For example, the dispute over the Nile River between Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia.
- Economic Factors: Economic disparities contribute to unequal access to water, with affluent individuals and industries often having preferential access over disadvantaged communities. Overuse of groundwater for irrigation in Punjab and Haryana is a notable example.
Way Forward
- Promoting water-saving practices like rainwater harvesting.
- Adopting water-efficient farming methods such as precision agriculture and conservation tillage.
- Using innovative solutions like smart irrigation systems and water-efficient appliances.
- Reducing water footprint through minimization and offsetting of water use.
Conclusion
Addressing the freshwater crisis demands sustainable management, improved infrastructure, conservation, and global collaboration to counter climate change.
Practice Question – Mains GS – I
Why is the world today confronted with a crisis of availability of and access to freshwater resources? (15 marks, 250 words)
Municipal Functions
Why in News?
Four municipalities in Tamil Nadu - Pudukottai, Namakkal, Tiruvannamalai, and Karaikudi - are set to be upgraded to Municipal Corporations as per the announcement by Minister K.N. Nehru in March last year. The state government has issued the order for this upgrade, following procedures under the Tamil Nadu Urban Local Bodies Act, 1998.
Local Bodies
Article 243Q: Recognition of Urban Local Bodies
Article 243Q of the Indian Constitution recognizes urban local bodies such as nagar panchayats, municipal councils, and municipal corporations based on population criteria:
- Nagar Panchayat: Population ranging from 11,000 to 25,000.
- Municipal Council: Population ranging from 25,000 to 100,000.
- Municipal Corporation: Population over 100,000.
As of current statistics, India has approximately 100 municipal corporations, 2,100 nagar panchayats, and 1,500 municipal councils.
Municipal Functions
- Urban Planning: Regulation of land use and construction to ensure organized growth.
- Water Supply Management: Ensuring clean drinking water access, treatment, and distribution.
- Waste Management: Handling solid and liquid waste collection, treatment, and disposal.
- Sanitation and Public Health: Providing sanitation services and focusing on disease prevention and cleanliness of public spaces.
- Education: Managing primary to secondary education institutions and promoting adult and non-formal education.
- Public Infrastructure and Services: Overseeing emergency services, street lighting, and maintenance of parks.
- Social Welfare: Running housing and poverty alleviation programs, and developing transport infrastructure for urban mobility.
Practice Question – Prelims
Consider the following statements regarding Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in India
- According to Article 243Q of the Indian Constitution, Urban Local Bodies are classified based on the land area of the cities.
- The first Municipal Corporation in India was established under the British Raj.
- Bombay Municipal Corporation, established in 1688, is the oldest Municipal Corporation in India.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
a) One only
b) Two only
c) All three
d) None of the above
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