“Steps on the Domestic Front” encapsulates a multifaceted approach towards enhancing the well-being and stability within a nation’s borders. This strategic framework encompasses a myriad of actions and policies aimed at fostering social cohesion, economic prosperity, and overall progress within a country. From initiatives addressing healthcare accessibility and education reform to measures promoting sustainable development and social justice, the concept of “Steps on the Domestic Front” underscores the importance of proactive governance and societal engagement in building a resilient and thriving nation. As governments navigate complex challenges and opportunities, prioritizing concerted efforts on the domestic front becomes imperative for nurturing inclusive growth and ensuring the welfare of all citizens.
Strengthening of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)
Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) hold significant importance in India’s governance structure, with Mahatma Gandhi advocating for their role in revitalizing village life. Article 40 of the Indian Constitution emphasized the organization of Village Panchayats and empowered them for self-governance, laying the foundation for democratic decentralization.
The evolution of PRIs can be divided into four distinct phases:
- The phase of Ascendency (1959-1964): This period witnessed initial efforts towards establishing and empowering Panchayats.
- Phase of Stagnation (1965-1969): Progress in this phase was limited, with limited advancements in Panchayati Raj.
- The phase of Decline (1969-1983): During this period, the momentum of Panchayati Raj slowed down.
- Phase of Revival (1983 Onwards): This phase marked a resurgence in the focus on strengthening Panchayati Raj institutions.
The revival and renovation of Panchayats, particularly from 1983 onwards, was spearheaded by Rajiv Gandhi’s government. He established a committee chaired by LM Singhvi to draft a concept paper on Panchayati Raj.
In 1986, the LM Singhvi committee presented its report, outlining recommendations for the enhancement of local governance and Panchayati Raj.
Rajiv Gandhi introduced the 64th Constitutional Amendment Bill in 1989, aimed at transforming Panchayats. The key provisions of the bill included:
- Granting constitutional status to Panchayats.
- Mandating all states to establish a three-tiered system of Panchayats with directly elected representatives serving five-year terms.
- Expanding the authority and funding of Panchayats for local development projects.
- Empowering Panchayats to raise and allocate finances for specified activities without prior state government approval.
Despite its commendable objectives, the bill faced defeat in the Rajya Sabha. However, the much-needed Panchayati Raj reforms were eventually implemented through the 73rd Amendment Act of 1992, which significantly strengthened PRIs in India’s democratic framework.
Jawahar Rozgar Yojana
Jawahar Rozgar Yojana was a significant initiative aimed at addressing rural unemployment and poverty in India. Its inception and key features are as follows:
- Background: The 6th Five Year Plan (1980-1985) prioritized poverty alleviation, recognizing that rural unemployment and underemployment were major contributors to poverty in India. To tackle this, the National Rural Employment Program was launched in October 1980, replacing the Food for Work Programme.
- Rural Landless Employment Guarantee Programme: This program, launched on August 15, 1983, aimed to provide guaranteed employment for at least one member of every rural landless labour household for up to 100 days in a year.
- Objectives: The program’s core objective was to enhance and expand employment opportunities, particularly for the rural landless labour force.
- 7th Five-Year Plan Emphasis: The Seventh Five-Year Plan (1985-90) emphasized the importance of employment programs in reducing rural poverty. The plan focused on providing productive employment to all those seeking it, giving priority to activities that effectively contributed to this goal.
- Introduction of Jawahar Rozgar Yojana (JRYP): In the budget speech of 1989-90, the government announced the Jawahar Rozgar Yojana as a new scheme. It was specifically designed to provide intensive employment in backward districts characterized by acute poverty and unemployment.
- Merger of Programs: After the 7th Five Year Plan, the government merged two major programs, namely the National Rural Employment Program (NREP) and the Rural Landless Employment Guarantee Program (RLEGP), into a single program known as the Jawahar Rozgar Yojana. This merger took effect on April 1, 1989.
- Key Features:
- Central assistance was directly released to the districts.
- A minimum of 80% of the allocations under the program were to be received by the village panchayats.
- The program targeted individuals below the poverty line, aiming to provide 90 to 100 days of employment in rural and economically disadvantaged areas.
- Panchayat Raj Institutions were entrusted with the responsibility of including every rural area as a beneficiary under the Yojana.
The program was launched with the aspiration of offering substantial employment opportunities to at least one member of each family living below the poverty line. It was also envisioned that the allocation of resources to village panchayats would lead to broader coverage of the program across all rural areas, along with more effective implementation.
Shah Bano Case
The Shah Bano case marked a significant legal battle for the rights of Muslim women in India. Here’s an overview of the case:
- Background: Shah Bano, a 62-year-old Muslim woman from Indore, was divorced by her husband in 1978. Subsequently, she filed a suit in the Supreme Court seeking alimony.
- Supreme Court Verdict (1985): In 1985, the Supreme Court ruled in Shah Bano’s favour. The court cited that the Quran obligates Muslim husbands to provide maintenance for their divorced wives. It invoked Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which applies universally, regardless of caste, class, creed, or religion. Consequently, the court ordered Shah Bano’s husband to provide her with maintenance, akin to alimony.
- Significance: This judgment was seen as groundbreaking because it went beyond the customary practice of deciding cases based on the interpretation of personal laws. It also underscored the importance of implementing a Uniform Civil Code in India.
- Controversy and Protests: The judgment generated controversy and led to protests, particularly from various sections of the Muslim community. Many Muslims viewed the verdict as an intrusion into their religious domain and their right to uphold their laws.
- Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986: Under pressure from the Muslim community, the government led by Rajiv Gandhi introduced this legislation to negate the Supreme Court’s judgment. The Act restricted the liability of the husband to pay maintenance to the period of ‘iddat’ (a specific period after divorce according to Islamic law), which lasts for 90 days.
- Criticism: The Act faced severe criticism from many quarters. Critics argued that instead of seizing the opportunity to advocate for women’s rights, the law reinforced inequality and the exploitation faced by Muslim women. It was seen as a deviation from addressing the constitutional directive principle of implementing a Uniform Civil Code.
The Shah Bano case remains a pivotal moment in the discussion of personal laws, religious rights, and gender equality in India. It brought to light the complexities and challenges of balancing religious freedoms with the protection of individual rights, particularly for women.
The Bofors Scandal was a significant political controversy that emerged during Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure as Prime Minister. Here’s an overview of the incident:
Background:
- In the 1980s, Bofors, a Swedish arms manufacturer, won a bid to supply 410 Howitzers to India. This deal was one of the largest arms contracts in Sweden’s history.
Allegations:
- It was alleged that several politicians from the Indian National Congress, including Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, received illicit kickbacks from Bofors in exchange for ensuring the company won the contract, which was valued at US $1.4 billion.
Impact:
- The scandal had severe political implications, tarnishing the image of Rajiv Gandhi and the Congress party.
Investigations:
- Investigations were conducted, and the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) Report, while not directly implicating Rajiv Gandhi, raised questions about the procurement process.
Election Year Controversy:
- In 1989, during the Lok Sabha election year, the Bofors scandal became a major campaign issue. The opposition parties demanded Rajiv Gandhi’s resignation based on the allegations.
Outcome:
- In the 1989 elections, the Congress party did not secure a majority. V. P. Singh formed a coalition government with the support of left parties and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The Bofors Scandal significantly impacted the political landscape of India at the time. While Rajiv Gandhi and the Congress party faced allegations of corruption, the incident also contributed to the political realignment that led to the formation of a new government. The controversy surrounding the Bofors deal continued to reverberate in Indian politics for years to come.
FAQs
1. What are some essential steps to maintain a clean home?
Answer: Regularly decluttering, organizing belongings, establishing cleaning routines, and dividing chores among household members are crucial steps to maintain a clean and orderly home.
2. How can I effectively manage household finances?
Answer: Creating a budget, tracking expenses, prioritizing needs over wants, setting financial goals, and exploring ways to save money (e.g., meal planning, using coupons, reducing utility costs) are key strategies for effective household financial management.
3. What steps can I take to improve family communication and cohesion?
Answer: Regular family meetings, active listening, expressing feelings openly, scheduling quality time together, participating in shared activities or hobbies, and resolving conflicts constructively are vital for enhancing communication and fostering stronger family bonds.
4. How can I promote a healthy lifestyle within my household?
Answer: Encouraging nutritious eating habits, incorporating regular physical activity, prioritizing adequate sleep, minimizing screen time, and practicing stress management techniques (such as mindfulness or meditation) are essential for promoting a healthy lifestyle among household members.
5. What measures can I implement to enhance home security and safety?
Answer: Installing quality locks, utilizing security systems or cameras, securing windows and doors, practicing fire safety precautions, maintaining smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and conducting regular safety inspections are fundamental steps to enhance home security and safety for everyone in the household.
In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.
For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here
For Daily Updates and Study Material:
Join our Telegram Channel – Edukemy for IAS
- 1. Learn through Videos – here
- 2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs – here
- 3. Daily Newsletter – Get all your Current Affairs Covered – here
- 4. Mains Answer Writing Practice – here
