LAW AND GOVERNANCE
Supreme Court Calls for Amendment to Prevent Misuse of Section 498A IPC in Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita
The Supreme Court has urged Parliament to amend Sections 85 and 86 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, citing concerns over the misuse of Section 498A IPC by wives against husbands and in-laws. This follows the court’s observation of similarities between the provisions and highlights the need for pragmatic changes to prevent abuse of the law in marital disputes. The move aims to align legal provisions with evolving societal realities and mitigate unjust harassment.
Supreme Court Notices Enhanced Superannuation for Ayurvedic Doctors
The Supreme Court has taken notice of a petition filed by the State of Rajasthan against a Rajasthan High Court order directing enhanced superannuation for Ayurvedic Doctors on par with Allopathic Doctors. Expressing concerns over potential policy implications, the Court deliberates on reinstating retired Ayurvedic doctors and its impact. While acknowledging the valuable contributions of Ayurvedic practitioners, the Court weighs the consequences of granting such parity, underscoring the complexities involved in policy matters.
Supreme Court Upholds Equivalence of Meritorious Reserved Category Candidates
In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court affirms the equivalence of meritorious reserved category candidates who opt not to avail reservation benefits with unreserved/general category candidates based on their marks. The decision underscores the importance of fair treatment and aims to prevent the undue occupation of reservation slots by meritorious candidates choosing not to utilize benefits. By upholding principles of meritocracy, the Court ensures a level playing field in competitive examinations, fostering equal opportunities for all candidates.
GOVERNMENT SCHEMES
Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK)
(Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW))
Objectives:
JSSK aims to provide comprehensive maternal and neonatal care, including free and cashless delivery services, to pregnant women accessing government health facilities. The scheme intends to eliminate out-of-pocket expenses associated with institutional delivery and ensure essential care for mothers and newborns within 48 hours post-delivery.
Eligibility:
Pregnant women accessing government health facilities for delivery are eligible for JSSK benefits.
Criteria:
- Free and cashless delivery, including caesarean section
- Free drugs, consumables, diagnostics, and blood provision
- Free diet during the stay in health institutions
- Exemption from user charges
- Free transport from home to health institutions and between facilities in case of referral
- Free drop-back from institutions to home after a 48-hour stay.
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)
(Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas)
Objectives:
PMUY aims to provide free LPG connections to women from below-poverty-line households, thereby promoting clean cooking fuel adoption and improving health outcomes among rural women. The scheme also targets reducing the environmental impact caused by traditional cooking fuels.
Eligibility:
Adult women belonging to various categories including SC, ST households, beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin), and others listed in the scheme guidelines are eligible for PMUY.
Criteria:
- Applicant must be 18 years of age or older
- No existing LPG connections in the same household
- Cash assistance provided for security deposit, pressure regulator, LPG hose, domestic gas consumer card, and installation charges
- First LPG refill and stove provided free of cost along with the deposit-free connection by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
SOURCE-
Read Also– CURRENT AFFAIRS (3 MAY 2024)
