17 August 2024 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis

1. When the system fails women

(Source: Indian Express; Section: The Ideas Page; Page: 07)

Topic: GS1– Indian Society

Context:

The article discusses the horrific rape and murder of a 31-year-old female doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, which has caused widespread outrage across India.

A Brutal Crime Shocks the Nation

• The rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9 has sent shockwaves across India, reigniting the nation’s concerns about the safety of women, particularly in workplaces.
• The brutality of the crime, compounded by the fact that it occurred within the premises of a government hospital, has sparked widespread outrage and frustration.
• The incident has led to the arrest of a 33-year-old civic worker, who allegedly had unrestricted access to the hospital. However, reports suggesting the possibility of gang-rape have further intensified the public’s demand for justice.
• The Kolkata High Court’s decision to transfer the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) reflects the gravity of the situation and the need for a thorough investigation.

Haunting Memories of Past Atrocities

• This tragic incident has resurfaced painful memories of similar brutal crimes, such as the 1973 rape of Aruna Shanbaug, a nurse in Mumbai, who was left in a vegetative state for 42 years before her death in 2015.
• The recent crime also echoes the horrifying gang rape in Delhi in December 2012, which sparked nationwide protests and calls for stronger laws to protect women.
• The current case has similarly ignited a wave of protests and strikes by doctors, who are demanding not only justice for the victim but also better working conditions and enhanced security in hospitals.

Inadequate Facilities and Security in Hospitals

• The incident has highlighted the severe inadequacies in infrastructure and security at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, which reportedly lacks dedicated and safe restrooms for female doctors.
• This lack of basic facilities forced the victim to seek rest in a seminar hall after a grueling 36-hour shift, ultimately leading to the tragic event.
• The absence of secure environments for women doctors is not only alarming but also indicative of a broader systemic failure.
• The protesters are now calling for the enactment of the Central Protection Act, which aims to safeguard medical professionals from violence—a proposal that has been pending in the Lok Sabha since 2022.

The Broader Issue of Violence Against Women

• The incident also draws attention to the pervasive issue of violence against women in India, particularly sexual violence.
• Statistics from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reveal that nearly 90 rape cases were reported daily in 2022, with numbers rising annually.
• The 2015 survey by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) further underscores the vulnerability of women doctors, with over 75% of doctors reporting some form of workplace violence, and women being disproportionately affected.

The Urgent Need for Action

• In light of these disturbing trends, it is imperative for authorities to prioritize the safety of women doctors and women in general.
• While legislative measures like the Central Protection Act are essential, they must be complemented by practical measures to empower women to defend themselves.
• Suggestions include arming women doctors with taser guns, providing self-defense training, and deploying bouncers in hospitals during night shifts.
• Moreover, self-defense training should be integrated into the education system to equip girls with the skills to protect themselves from potential threats.

A Call for Systemic Change

• The tragic incident in Kolkata underscores the systemic failure to provide adequate security for women, particularly in workplaces like hospitals.
• Despite repeated promises from authorities following similar incidents, little has been done to create a safe environment for women.
• The pattern of inaction leaves women vulnerable to future attacks, and it is clear that more proactive and comprehensive measures are needed.
• As the Indian Constitution and the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita (BNS) grant individuals the right to defend themselves, it is time for the government to empower women doctors with the tools and training necessary to protect themselves.
• Only through such decisive action can the country hope to curb the violence that continues to plague its women.

What are the reasons behind lack of women safety in India?

1. Prevalence of patriarchy– There is deeply entrenched patriarchal culture in India. This perpetuates the belief in male superiority and normalizes violence against women. For ex- Prevalence of ‘Ladka hai Galti ho jaati hai mindset‘ in India. 2. Objectification of Women– The degenerated portrayal of women in media and entertainment reduces them to objects. This objectification often leads to increased instances of harassment and violence. For ex- Increased objectification of sexuality in movies. 3. Cultural Stigma– Cultural stigmas regarding sexual violence and harassment, leads to underreporting of crimes, many women fear societal backlash on account of reporting of harassment issues. For ex- Brushing off the child molestation issues under the carpet. 4. Economic Dependency– Feminization of poverty and high economic dependency on male family members, exacerbate the vulnerability of women. The lack of financial independence, makes it difficult for them to escape domestic abuses. For ex- Increase in cases of domestic violence against housewives. 5. Lack of Awareness and Education– Many women in India are unaware of the legal protections available for women, such as the Domestic Violence Act, Sexual Harassment Act. This leads to a culture of violence and abuse against women. 6. Inadequate safety in public places– Inadequacies in public infrastructure, such as poorly lit streets, lack of safe transportation options, lack of CCTVs, increase vulnerability of women to crime. For ex- Nirbhaya Rape in a public transportation and Kolkata rape in a public hospital highlights the lack of public safe spaces for women.

Practice Question:  Discuss the systemic failures that contribute to the safety issues faced by women professionals in public institutions, with reference to recent incidents in India. Suggest measures to address these challenges. (250 words/15 m)

2. Making it Right

(Source: Indian Express; Section: The Editorial Page; Page: 12)

Topic: GS2– Social Justice – Education

Context:

The article discusses the challenges and resistance faced in fully implementing the Right to Education (RTE) Act in India, particularly the provision requiring private schools to reserve seats for economically weaker sections. The article also references a recent Bombay High Court verdict that upholds the RTE, emphasizing the ongoing struggle to ensure equitable access to education.

Right to Education (RTE) Act: Overview

• The Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 ensures free and compulsory education as fundamental right under Article 21A of the Indian Constitution.
• It mandates that every child has the right to full-time elementary education of satisfactory and equitable quality in a formal school that meets certain essential norms and standards.

Key Provisions:

• The RTE Act provides for free and compulsory education for all children between 6 and 14 years.
• Schools must be available within a prescribed distance from the child’s residence to ensure accessibility.
• The Act ensures the provision of adequate teachers and the establishment of standards for their training and quality.

• Teacher Qualification: The teacher must pass the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET), which is administered by the respective government authority. The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) has established the minimum qualifications required for a person to be eligible for appointment as a teacher for classes I to VIII.
• The RTE Act does NOT apply to Minority institutions.

Challenges in Implementing the Right to Education (RTE)

• The Right to Education (RTE) Act, enacted over a decade ago, aimed to ensure universal enrollment and provide every child in India with access to quality elementary education.
• However, despite its historic significance, the RTE’s implementation has been fraught with resistance and challenges.
• The recent verdict by the Bombay High Court illustrates the obstacles state governments have placed in the path of the RTE.
• The Maharashtra government’s attempt to bypass the RTE’s provision, which mandates unaided private schools to reserve 25% of their seats for economically weaker sections (EWS), is a case in point.
• By arguing that private schools should not be required to follow this rule if there is a government school within a kilometer, the state displayed a lack of commitment to the RTE, reflecting broader systemic issues that hinder its full realization.

The Resistance to Socio-Economic Integration in Schools

• One of the RTE’s most transformative provisions was its mandate for socio-economic integration in schools by reserving seats for children from economically weaker sections.
• This measure was designed to bridge social divides and create a more inclusive educational environment. However, this provision has faced significant resistance from private schools, which often view it as an intrusion.
• Many schools sought legal and political support to avoid implementing this requirement, with some even proposing separate sections or afternoon classes for EWS students, which the RTE explicitly prohibited.
• The reluctance of private schools to embrace this aspect of the RTE reveals deep-seated social hierarchies and a lack of understanding of the educational benefits of mixed classrooms.

The Unfulfilled Promise of the RTE

• While the RTE was expected to revolutionize elementary education in India, its progress has been disappointing.
• Amendments to the original Act have weakened key provisions, undermining the vision of an inclusive and experiential learning environment for all children.
• One of the most critical failures has been in teacher training, which remains the weakest link in the education system. Despite clear guidelines provided by the JS Verma Commission, interest in implementing effective teacher training programs has waned.
• As a result, the promise of the RTE has not been fully realized, and what once seemed like a new chapter in India’s social history now appears to be an anomaly.

The Way Forward After the Bombay High Court Verdict

• The Bombay High Court’s verdict reaffirms the sanctity of the RTE and sets a precedent that could challenge similar practices in other states like Karnataka and Punjab.
• In these states, the RTE’s provisions are being undermined by conditions that restrict access to private schools for EWS students.
• The situation in Punjab, where parents can only apply for the EWS quota if there is no government school within a one-kilometer radius, is particularly concerning.
• Such practices not only violate the spirit of the RTE but also highlight how the Act is being manipulated to exclude the poor, with the state’s complicity.
• Moving forward, it is crucial for other states to take note of the Bombay High Court’s ruling and ensure that the RTE’s provisions are implemented in letter and spirit to protect the rights of all children.

PYQ: The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 remains inadequate in promoting incentive-based system for children’s education without generating awareness about the importance of schooling. Analyse. (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2022)

Practice Question:  Critically examine the challenges in the implementation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act in India, particularly with respect to socio-economic integration in schools. What measures can be taken to ensure the effective realization of the RTE’s goals? (250 words/15 m)