LAW & GOVERNANCE
Justice BV Nagarathna Critiques Demonetisation
Justice BV Nagarathna, in a recent address at NALSAR University, criticized demonetisation, highlighting its failure to curb black money. She noted that 98% of demonetised currency returned to the RBI, questioning its effectiveness. She expressed concern for the common man’s plight during demonetisation, which motivated her dissent. Justice Nagarathna emphasized the lack of communication and preparedness, suggesting demonetisation as a means to convert black money into white. She also criticized the decision-making process and the impact on daily wage earners. Additionally, she questioned demonetisation’s role in transitioning to plastic currency, noting the RBI’s lack of independent decision-making.
Bombay HC Upholds Death Penalty for Nagpur Man
The Bombay High Court upheld the death penalty for Vivek Palatkar, a labourer who brutally murdered his son, sister, brother-in-law, niece, and sister’s mother-in-law in 2018. Justices Vinay Joshi and MW Chandwani stated that Palatkar’s actions showed a complete disregard for humanity, gender, and family relations. The court noted his premeditated plan and ruthless behavior, even attacking jail inmates post-conviction. They concluded that Palatkar showed no signs of improvement or reformation, warranting the death penalty.
Fresh Plea in Delhi HC Seeks Arvind Kejriwal’s Removal
A fresh PIL filed by the Hindu Sena in the Delhi High Court seeks the removal of Arvind Kejriwal as Chief Minister, arguing that his arrest in a money laundering case violates constitutional trust. The plea demands that the Lieutenant Governor dismiss Kejriwal and the central government take charge of Delhi’s governance. The court, however, refused to comment on the merits, stating it falls outside judicial interference and is for other government branches to decide. The PIL argues that the Constitution does not allow a Chief Minister to run the government from police or judicial custody, emphasizing the breach of constitutional trust.
GOVERNMENT SCHEMES
Scheme Name: AICTE Saksham Scholarship for Specially-Abled Students (Diploma)
(Ministry of Education)
Objective: Support specially-abled students in pursuing technical education.
Benefits: ₹50,000/- per annum for up to 3 years (for first-year students) and up to 2 years (for lateral entry students). Covers college fees, computer, stationery, books, equipment, software, etc.
Eligibility: Admitted to first or second year of Diploma course in AICTE-approved institution, disability of ≥40%, and family income ≤Rs. 8 lakh per annum.
Exclusions: Scholarship forfeited if student fails to advance, gap between qualifying exam and admission not >2 years, failure/drop out leads to ineligibility, and no other financial assistance allowed.
Payment: Scholarship paid annually through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Renewal: Renewed for next year on submission of required documents through National Scholarship Portal.
Scheme Name: Swadhar Greh (A Scheme For Women In Difficult Circumstances)
(Ministry of Women and Child Development)
Objective: Provide institutional support and rehabilitation for women victims of difficult circumstances to lead a dignified life.
Beneficiaries: Women above 18 years in various categories, including those deserted, survivors of natural disasters, released prisoners, victims of domestic violence, trafficking, and HIV/AIDS.
Benefits:
- Shelter, food, clothing, health, economic, and social security support.
- Stay duration: Up to 1 year for domestic violence victims, up to 3 years for other women, and up to 5 years for older women above 55 years.
- Accommodation for accompanying children: Girls up to 18 years and boys up to 8 years.
Objectives:
- Provide primary needs and emotional support.
- Offer legal aid and guidance for readjustment.
- Economically and emotionally rehabilitate women.
- Start their life afresh with dignity.
Strategies:
- Temporary residential accommodation with basic facilities.
- Vocational and skill training for economic rehabilitation.
- Counseling, awareness, and behavioral training.
- Legal aid and guidance, including telephonic counseling.
Types of Services:
- Legal services.
- Vocational training.
- Medical facilities.
- Counseling.
Eligibility: Women above 18 years in specified categories, with no social or economic support.
Note: Swadhar Greh facilities also available for accompanying children in specified age groups
Scheme Name: Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme
(Ministry Of Social Justice and Empowerment)
Objective: Provide comprehensive health insurance cover for persons with disabilities.
Benefits:
- Affordable and Simple: Fixed premium regardless of age.
- Equal Coverage: Same healthcare support for all disabilities.
- Financial Assistance: Reimbursement basis only.
- Wide Range of Services: Coverage for checkups, hospitalizations, therapies, surgeries, and transportation.
- No Medical Tests: Immediate coverage, no pre-insurance tests.
- Hospital Flexibility: Choose any hospital, no restrictions.
Coverage:
- Health Insurance: Up to ₹1,00,000/- for various expenses.
- Outpatient Treatment: Covers medicines, pathology, diagnostic tests, etc.
- Regular Checkups: For non-ailing individuals with disabilities.
- Dental Care: Preventive dentistry services.
- Surgeries: To prevent disability worsening or for existing disabilities.
- Non-Surgical/Hospitalization: Coverage for related treatments and stays.
- Ongoing Therapies: For managing disability and complications.
- Alternative Medicine: Coverage for alternative treatment options.
- Transportation Costs: Reimbursement for medical care-related transportation.
Eligibility: Persons with disabilities under the National Trust Act, 1999, with a valid disability certificate.
Exclusions: Scheme available nationwide except J&K
SOURCE:
READ MORE- LADAKH’S STATEHOOD DEMAND
