Topics
- PM E-Bus Seva Scheme: 10,000 Electric Buses to Transform Urban Mobility
- Deemed Forest
- Extreme Heat
- Handbook on Gender Stereotypes
- CPGRAMS
PM E-Bus Seva
Introduction
The recent approval of the PM e-bus Seva scheme by the Union Cabinet is a significant move aimed at improving urban mobility and promoting eco-friendly transportation in India.
PM E-Bus Seva: Scheme Overview
Definition of E-Bus: The scheme centers around e-buses, which rely solely on zero-emission electricity sources for both propulsion and accessory systems.
Scope and Cost: Estimated at ₹57,613 crore, the scheme involves the Central government contributing ₹20,000 crore.
Operational Support: The scheme is structured to offer operational support to bus services for a duration of 10 years.
Implementation Strategy
Two Segments: The scheme will be executed in two distinct segments:
- 10,000 E-Buses: 10,000 e-buses will be introduced in 169 cities through a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
- Infrastructure Upgrades: In 181 other cities, the focus will be on enhancing green urban mobility infrastructure, including bus priority, charging facilities, multimodal interchange points, and automated fare collection systems.
- Depot Infrastructure: The first segment involves the development and enhancement of depot infrastructure, including power substations, to accommodate the new e-buses.
- Job Creation: The scheme is anticipated to create 45,000 to 55,000 direct jobs, contributing to employment growth.
Coverage and Funding
Coverage: The scheme encompasses cities with populations of three lakh and above, Union Territory capitals, as well as northeastern and hill states.
Funding Model: States or cities will oversee bus services and payments to operators, with the Central government providing subsidies as per the scheme’s guidelines. This approach supports decentralized management.
Positive Impacts
- Environmental Benefits: The adoption of electric buses will notably reduce noise and air pollution, resulting in cleaner and healthier urban environments.
- Carbon Emission Reduction: Electric mobility aligns with India’s commitment to lowering carbon emissions and addressing climate change.
- Economies of Scale: Consolidating electric bus procurement is expected to yield economies of scale, making electric buses more financially viable and encouraging their adoption.
Conclusion
The PM e-bus Seva scheme reflects India’s ambitious stride toward sustainable and eco-friendly urban mobility.
It underscores the government’s dedication to job creation and its resolve to transform the transportation sector into a cleaner, greener, and more efficient mode of commuting.
DEEMED FOREST
Understanding ‘Deemed Forests’
- Definition: The term ‘deemed forests’ pertains to areas not officially categorized as forests by central or state authorities in official records.
- Legal Ambiguity: The legal definition of ‘deemed forests’ lacks clarity, even within the Forest Conservation Act of 1980.
- Broad Interpretation: The Supreme Court’s T N Godavarman Thirumulpad Case (1996) adopted a broad interpretation of forests, encompassing statutorily recognized forests regardless of reservation status.
- Inclusive Scope: Section 2 of the Act extends the definition of ‘forest land’ beyond dictionary meaning to include government-recorded forest areas, regardless of ownership.
Forest Classification in India
The Forest Survey of India (FSI) employs a comprehensive classification system to categorize the forest cover within the country. This classification involves four distinct classes that help characterize the extent and density of tree cover across different areas.
- Very Dense Forest
The category of very dense forest encompasses all lands that exhibit a substantial tree cover, including mangrove areas, with a remarkable canopy density of 70% and above. This classification indicates areas with a high concentration of well-established trees, contributing significantly to the overall forest cover.
- Moderately Dense Forest
The moderately dense forest class pertains to lands featuring tree cover, including mangroves, with a canopy density ranging between 40% and 70%. This category captures regions where the tree population is moderately concentrated, striking a balance between density and openness.
- Open Forests
Open forests are defined as lands with tree cover, incorporating mangroves, characterized by a canopy density falling within the range of 10% to 40%. This classification highlights areas where tree growth is less dense, allowing for more space and light between trees.
- Scrubs
The scrub category includes forest lands marked by poor tree growth, primarily comprising small or stunted trees. These areas exhibit a canopy density of less than 10%. The scrub classification reflects regions with limited tree density and generally smaller, underdeveloped trees.
By employing this classification system, the Forest Survey of India aims to provide a nuanced understanding of India’s diverse forest cover and its varying degrees of density. This categorization aids in effective forest management, conservation, and policy formulation.
Recent Relevance and Controversy
- News Spotlight: The concept of ‘deemed forests’ gained attention, particularly in Odisha and Karnataka, due to concerns about unscientific classification and impacts on agriculture and mining.
- Calls for Reclassification: Advocates demand adherence to the dictionary definition of forests for ‘deemed forests,’ regardless of ownership, citing potential negative effects on farmers and mining activities.
- Classification Challenges: Critics highlight the lack of well-defined scientific criteria for classification, leading to conflicts and hardships within communities.
Motivations behind Reclassification
- Reassessment in 2014: A 2014 review aimed to address the shortcomings in forest categorization, advocating for objective criteria.
- Need for Objective Criteria: Initial classifications relied on the dictionary definition, resulting in subjective designations lacking clarity and fairness.
- Addressing Hardships: Land was classified as ‘deemed forest’ without considering local needs, causing difficulties for farmers and communities.
- Commercial Demands: Regions labeled as ‘deemed forests’ held commercial mining value, prompting calls for reclassification.
Implications in Odisha
- State-Level Identification: Odisha designated around 66 lakh acres as ‘deemed forest’ since 1996 with district-level expert committees, despite lacking official recognition in government records.
- Controversy and Debate: The decision sparked controversy, raising concerns about the impact on conservation efforts and legal status of lands under ‘deemed forest’ classification.
Conclusion
The reversal of Odisha government’s order on ‘deemed forests’ highlights the importance of clear forest classification and protection policies.
The situation underscores the delicate balance between legal interpretations, conservation needs, and policy implementation in environmental protection.
Moving forward, aligning policies with legal frameworks becomes crucial for sustainable forest management and preserving the fragile ecological equilibrium.
Inclusion in the Budget
- This fiscal year’s budget included the unveiling of the Vishwakarma Yojana.
- The primary objective of this scheme is to provide support to traditional artisans and craftspeople.
- Its ultimate aim is to assist these individuals in enhancing the caliber, extent, and distribution of their products.
- This enhancement will facilitate their integration into the broader MSME value chain.
Key Components of the Scheme
- Financial Support: The scheme will provide financial assistance to eligible beneficiaries.
- Advanced Skill Training: Artisans will gain access to advanced training, enabling them to refine their skills.
- Modern Digital Techniques and Green Technologies: Beneficiaries will be equipped with knowledge about contemporary digital methods and eco-friendly technologies.
- Brand Promotion: The scheme will focus on promoting the brands of artisans and their products.
- Market Linkages: It will establish connections between artisans and both local and global markets.
- Digital Payments: The scheme will introduce digital payment solutions to facilitate smoother transactions.
- Social Security: Artisans will also receive social security benefits, ensuring their well-being.
Through these diverse components, the Vishwakarma Yojana strives to empower artisans and propel their integration into the broader economic landscape.
Extreme Heat
Introduction: The Intersection of Heatwaves and Mental Health
In recent times, the intensifying and prolonged heatwaves have gone beyond scorching temperatures and have started to scorch minds as well. The impact of soaring temperatures on mental health has gained newfound recognition, necessitating a deeper examination of the interplay between climate change and our psychological well-being.
Understanding Heatwaves: Temperature Extremes
Heatwaves generally occur in India between March and June. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) designates a heatwave event when the maximum daytime temperature for a location in the plains crosses 40 degrees Celsius, while over the hills, the threshold temperature is 30 degrees Celsius.
Exploring Climate Distress: Emotions Triggered by Environmental Changes
The term “Climate Distress” has emerged to describe a range of emotions triggered by the environmental changes brought about by climate change. These encompass feelings such as anxiety, terror, sadness, shame, and guilt, all stemming from the recognition of the broader consequences of climate change.
Frequency and Impact of Heatwaves in India
India has been witnessing an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves in recent years. For instance, in April and May 2022, around 350 million Indians were exposed to strong heat stress. On average, six heatwave events occur every year in the northern parts of the country.
Temperature Shifts: Rise in Summer and Winter Temperatures
Summer temperatures have risen across various districts in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan between 1990 and 2019. Furthermore, around 54% of India’s districts have experienced a similar rise in winter temperatures. Projections indicate that maximum temperatures will continue to rise between 2021 and 2050, affecting various districts.
The Nexus Between Heatwaves and Mental Health: Alarming Correlations
Studies have uncovered alarming correlations between elevated temperatures and a rise in suicides, violent crimes, aggression, hospitalizations for mental disorders, and even mortality. Patients with conditions like schizophrenia, dementia, psychosis, and substance use disorders are particularly vulnerable, with their risk of death increasing by nearly 5% for every 1-degree Celsius rise.
Physiological Effects and Mental Health: A Complex Interaction
Heat’s influence isn’t confined to discomfort; it sets off a cascade of physiological changes that translate into emotional and mental shifts. Increased heart rates due to heat can lead to heightened anxiety. The neurotransmitter serotonin, linked to mood regulation, anxiety, and depression, also affects temperature perception. Certain drugs can amplify heat’s impact on body temperature regulation, such as common medications for schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder.
Heatwaves as Potent Agents of Psychological Distress
- Rise in Suicides and Violent Crimes: Research has uncovered a striking connection between heatwaves and a surge in suicides, violent crimes, and aggression, with a reported 0.7% increase in suicides linked to rising temperatures. Interpersonal violence, including homicides, has increased by 4% to 6% during heatwaves.
- Aggravation of Mental Illnesses: Conditions like anxiety, schizophrenia, and depression are exacerbated by heatwaves, intensifying symptoms such as irritability, anger, and anxiety.
- Sleep Impact: Heatwaves disrupt sleep patterns, leading to mood disorders, anxiety, and cognitive impairment.
- Vulnerable Groups: Older adults, adolescents, and those with preexisting mental issues are especially vulnerable during heatwaves due to physiological vulnerabilities.
- Physiological Stress Response: Heatwaves trigger increased heart rates, heightening anxiety levels, and amplifying emotional arousal.
- Medication Interaction and Routine Disruption: Mental health medications interacting with heat worsen physical and mental effects, exacerbating psychological distress. Heatwaves disrupt routines and limit social interactions, fostering loneliness and frustration.
- 7. Climate Change Impact: Heatwaves contribute to environmental uncertainty, triggering anxiety, fear, and helplessness as part of climate change’s wider impact.
Effective Coping Strategies: Navigating the Mental Impact
- Recognizing the Reality: Acknowledging the real threats posed by heatwaves and climate change is the first step, helping individuals prepare and seek appropriate support.
- Traditional Coping Strategies: While cognitive behavioral therapy and medications are valuable, acknowledging the tangible threat of climate distress is crucial.
- Advocating for Change: Channeling distress into advocacy through participation in climate initiatives and advocating for policies addressing climate change provides a sense of purpose.
- Fostering Resilience: Building resilience through mindfulness techniques and stress reduction practices helps individuals manage anxiety and fear related to climate distress.
Conclusion: Urgent Need for Mental Health Support in the Face of Heatwaves
Heatwaves carry a dual impact: physical discomfort and psychological distress. Recognizing and addressing the mental health implications of climate change is an urgent endeavor.
As our understanding evolves, it becomes imperative to support individuals and communities in navigating the profound mental effects of escalating temperatures.
HANDBOOK ON GENDER STEREOTYPES
Introduction
In a recently published handbook, the Supreme Court provides guidance on the appropriate terminology to be employed in legal contexts. This guide seeks to address issues related to gender stereotypes and discriminatory language, promoting inclusivity and respect in judicial proceedings.
Key Terminology
The handbook emphasizes the usage of accurate and respectful terms, including:
- “Woman” and “Man” (instead of derogatory or condescending alternatives)
- “Wife” and “Husband” (recognizing marital partnerships without bias)
- “Street Sexual Harassment” (describing the offense accurately)
- “Intersex” (acknowledging the diversity of gender identities)
Objective of the Handbook
- Spanning 30 pages, the “Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes” is designed to guide judges, legal professionals, and the broader legal community.
- Its primary goal is to break away from the mechanical application of gender-biased language in court judgments, orders, and pleadings.
Addressing Gender Stereotypes
- One of the central focuses of the handbook is to confront and dispel commonly held gender stereotypes.
- By doing so, it strives to promote fairness and impartiality in legal discourse.
- The handbook urges practitioners to avoid perpetuating these stereotypes, especially when dealing with “so-called inherent characteristics” attributed to women.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s handbook is a significant step toward fostering an environment of inclusivity, respect, and gender sensitivity within the legal system.
By adhering to the recommended language and principles outlined in the handbook, the judiciary and legal professionals can contribute to a more equitable and just legal landscape.
CPGRAMS
Centralized Public Grievance Redressal and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) Monthly Report – July 2023
- The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) has released the 12th monthly report for States on the Centralized Public Grievance Redressal and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) for July 2023.
- This report presents a comprehensive analysis of various types and categories of public grievances, along with details about their resolutions.
BSNL Call Centre Feedback Collection
- In the month of July 2023, the BSNL Call Centre recorded a significant milestone by gathering feedback from 1,00,186 citizens.
- This achievement marks the highest number of feedbacks received since the inception of the call center in July 2022.
- Notably, around 35% of the citizens expressed their satisfaction with the provided resolution by rating it as outstanding or very good.
Centralized Public Grievance Redressal and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS)
- CPGRAMS is an innovative online platform designed to facilitate citizens in lodging their grievances related to service delivery.
- This platform is accessible 24×7, allowing individuals to submit their complaints to public authorities on a wide range of subjects.
Unified Access to Ministries and States
- This centralized system serves as a single portal that is connected to all the Ministries and Departments of the Government of India as well as various States.
- Ministries and States are granted role-based access to the system, ensuring a streamlined approach to grievance redressal.
User-Friendly Accessibility
- CPGRAMS can be conveniently accessed by citizens through standalone mobile applications, which are downloadable from the Google Play store.
- Moreover, the platform is integrated with the UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) application, offering multiple avenues for user convenience.
Status Tracking and Appeal Mechanism
- Citizens who file grievances through CPGRAMS are provided with a unique registration ID upon registration, which enables them to track the status of their filed complaints.
- Additionally, CPGRAMS incorporates an appeal mechanism for citizens who remain dissatisfied with the resolution provided by the Grievance Officer.
- This avenue allows them to seek further redressal if needed.
