11 April 2025 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis
1. Drop the piecemeal ways to social security for workers
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)
| Topic: GS2 – Social Security |
| Context |
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New Steps Towards Social Security for Gig Workers
- India is moving forward with a central scheme for online (app-based) gig workers, which is awaiting Cabinet approval.
- The scheme offers health coverage under Ayushman Bharat, and registration on the eShram portal to help workers access different social security benefits.
- A transaction-based pension system is planned, using a universal account number to track earnings across platforms and ensure companies contribute to pensions.
- This pension plan recognizes that gig workers may have multiple employers and ensures shared responsibility for worker welfare.
- Since social security in India is usually linked to formal employment, this step is significant in bringing informal gig workers into the fold.
Limitations in the Existing Social Protection System
- Although India helped form the International Labour Organisation, it has not ratified the Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1952 (No. 102).
- India passed the Code on Social Security nearly 70 years later, aiming to create a broader protection framework.
- However, this Code has been criticized for vague definitions, weaker protections, and challenges in implementation.
- The Code relies on welfare boards to provide benefits, but these boards often fail to meet goals.
- A Right To Information finding revealed that states had not used ₹70,744.16 crore collected as welfare cess from employers.
- A 2024 audit report showed delays in remittance of ₹221.8 crore by 99 local bodies in Tamil Nadu to the Construction Workers Welfare Board.
- Even in states with strong welfare records, like Kerala, only 5 out of 16 boards functioned effectively, and some reported no beneficiaries.
Problems With a Fragmented Approach
- Some argue that welfare boards offer targeted relief, like Karnataka’s beedi and cigarette workers requesting revival of a defunct fund.
- However, focusing on one group at a time ignores the uncertain nature of informal work in general.
- It can also create unfair divisions between types of informal work, such as between gig workers and domestic workers.
- Relying on gig work alone to formalize informal labour is overly optimistic, as new job types will continue to emerge.
Building a Universal Social Protection Framework
- India needs a future-ready social protection system that adjusts with changes in work types and sectors.
- The Code is likely to stay, even with its issues. States can still develop their own measures within its structure.
- A good starting point would be to treat the Code as a minimum standard and build upon it to create a stronger, more inclusive, and universal system.
- The ultimate goal should be a framework that includes every worker, without exception, and can adapt over time.
| Practice Question: Discuss the challenges of providing social security to gig and informal workers in India. How can a universal social protection system address these issues? (250 Words /15 marks) |
2. Are existing mechanisms effective in combating judicial corruption?
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 9)
| Topic: GS2 – Indian Polity – Judiciary |
| Context |
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Effectiveness of Impeachment
- The process of impeachment is extremely difficult and rarely successful, requiring a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament.
- While it protects judicial independence by preventing misuse for political gains, it is not effective as a deterrent against corruption.
- A transparent internal system within the judiciary is needed to handle cases of serious misconduct and maintain public trust.
Need for Reforms in In-House Procedures
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- The current internal mechanism was created to prevent misuse of legal action by the executive against judges.
- It gained recognition after a major court ruling in 1991, which issued safeguards for judicial officers.
- However, the mechanism may benefit from legal reforms to ensure greater accountability and efficiency.
- Past cases show that judicial corruption is difficult to prosecute due to weak enforcement and protection offered to judges.
Importance of Making Inquiry Reports Public
- Greater transparency in inquiry procedures is essential in today’s environment of constant public scrutiny.
- Making reports public can help reinforce trust in the judiciary and avoid speculation.
- However, transparency should be balanced with protecting the rights of the accused and maintaining the fairness of the inquiry.
- Communication must be clear to prevent misinformation and protect the reputation of the institution.
Revisiting the Role of the Executive in Appointments
- The executive already plays an informal yet significant role in judicial appointments through background checks and delayed approvals.
- The current system allows the executive to block appointments without formal rejection.
- Transparency and clarity in the selection process are more important than which body—government or judiciary—makes the appointments.
Why Past Bills May Not Help
- A previous bill aimed at judicial accountability failed to address important gaps.
- Instead of more oversight bodies, clear standards of conduct and internal mechanisms like peer reviews should be developed.
- Disclosure of family members in the legal profession and structural changes are necessary to avoid conflicts of interest.
Need to Liberalise Contempt Laws
- The fear of contempt should not stop people from discussing judicial corruption in good faith.
- There should be space for constructive criticism without the threat of criminal penalties.
- Reforms must ensure judges do not misuse contempt laws to avoid scrutiny.
- Institutional changes are necessary to allow for open and fair public discussion about judicial integrity.
| Practice Question: In light of recent controversies involving judicial misconduct, critically examine the effectiveness of existing mechanisms for judicial accountability in India. (250 Words /15 marks) |
