Inclusive Education: Empowering Diversity with a Special Quiz
1. Historical Significance:
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- The International Day of Persons with Disabilities, established by the United Nations in 1992, is annually observed on December 3rd.
- This global observance aims to promote the rights and well-being of people with disabilities while increasing awareness of their unique challenges.
- Purposeful Commemoration:
- Aligned with this significant day, the Education Ministry’s celebration includes a purposeful quiz to actively recognize and participate in the global observance.
- Objectives encompass fostering inclusivity and promoting an accessible society that encourages active participation.
- Breaking Down Barriers:
- The quiz serves as an inspiration for individuals to dismantle societal barriers, enabling full participation in all aspects of life.
- The overarching goal is to establish a community founded on universal principles of dignity and equality.
- Engaging MyGov Portal:
- Accessible for a month on the MyGov Portal, the quiz welcomes students, teachers, parents, and the general public.
- Participants have the chance to earn a digital certificate, enhancing the engagement and rewarding nature of the initiative.
- Global Awareness Day:
- December 3rd annually observes the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, providing a global platform.
- The day’s purpose is to raise awareness and garner support for the rights and well-being of people with disabilities worldwide.
- Unified Action Theme:
- The current year’s theme, “United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals for, with, and by persons with disabilities,” underscores the importance of collaborative endeavors.
- It underscores the collaborative approach required for a more inclusive and sustainable future for everyone.
Source: TribuneIndia
Also Read- December 1& 2
Supreme Court’s Verdict on BSF Jurisdiction in Punjab: Decoding the Legal Landscape
In a recent legal milestone, the Supreme Court clarified its stance on extending the Border Security Force’s (BSF) jurisdiction in Punjab from 15 to 50 km, sparking a nationwide conversation about the balance between security needs and state autonomy.
Understanding the Background:
The controversy unfolded when the Centre widened the BSF’s operational reach, prompting the Punjab government to challenge the decision in court. Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud led a three-judge bench to deliberate on the matter.
| Aspect | Description |
| What is BSF | The Border Security Force (BSF) is a paramilitary force under the Ministry of Home Affairs, responsible for safeguarding India’s borders. It plays a pivotal role in preventing trans-border crimes, including illegal immigration and smuggling. |
| Previous Jurisdiction | The BSF’s jurisdiction in Punjab was confined to a 15 km radius from the international border, delineating the specific geographical area where the force could wield its powers and fulfill its responsibilities. |
| Legal Framework | The extension of the BSF’s jurisdiction finds its basis in the BSF Act, empowering the central government to define operational limits. This legal framework outlines the authority and functions of the BSF in border regions. |
| Constitutional Basis | The Constitution of India provides the foundation for allocating powers between central and state entities. Any expansion of jurisdiction must adhere to constitutional principles, ensuring a delicate equilibrium between federal and state authority. |
| Current Legal Challenge | The Punjab government lodged a legal challenge against the Centre’s notification, extending the BSF’s jurisdiction to 50 km. This legal dispute centers on potential clashes with state-listed subjects, such as public order and police. |
| Supreme Court’s Clarification | In response to the legal challenge, the Supreme Court clarified that the extension grants preventive powers to the BSF without diminishing the investigatory powers of the state police. It underscored a concurrent, rather than exclusive, jurisdiction. |
| Historical Precedence | The extension aligns with historical practices in border states like Gujarat, where the BSF’s jurisdiction has spanned 80 km since 1969. This historical context establishes a precedent for similar jurisdictional ranges in different regions. |
What the Chief Justice Clarified:
Chief Justice Chandrachud emphasized that the extension primarily grants the BSF preventive powers, specifically focusing on preventing certain offenses within the designated limits. Crucially, this extension does not strip the Punjab Police of their investigative authority. “It’s only preventive power. The power of investigation is not taken away. Nothing is taken away from the Punjab police,” reassured the Chief Justice.
Concurrency and Historical Context:
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta highlighted that extending BSF’s jurisdiction aligns with historical practices, citing Gujarat’s precedent since 1969. Previously at 80 km, this range is now a uniform 50 km for all border states. Importantly, Mehta clarified that the BSF’s jurisdiction is concurrent, existing alongside the authority of state police.
Federal Question and State Apprehensions:
Advocate Shadan Farasat, representing Punjab, raised a critical concern about the extension posing a federal question. He pointed out that the 50 km jurisdiction encompasses all cognizable offenses, essentially giving the BSF parallel jurisdiction with the state police over major cities in Punjab. The worry revolves around potential encroachment on state-listed subjects related to public order and police.
The Way Forward:
The Supreme Court suggested collaborative efforts between the concerned parties to pinpoint specific issues requiring attention. The court expressed its willingness to address these concerns in subsequent hearings, highlighting the significance of resolving jurisdictional matters for a balanced coexistence between central and state law enforcement agencies.
Putting Numbers into Perspective:
The BSF, a crucial component of India’s security apparatus, plays a vital role in safeguarding the nation’s borders. With historical data indicating the effectiveness of similar extensions in states like Gujarat, the move aims to enhance border control measures to ensure national security.
Balancing Act:
As the legal discourse continues, finding a harmonious balance between national security needs and preserving state autonomy in maintaining law and order becomes paramount. The Supreme Court’s intervention stands as a pivotal step in defining the parameters of authority in this intricate jurisdictional landscape, contributing to the ongoing conversation about the future of border security in India.
Source- The Indian Express
