LAW AND GOVERNANCE
Government Forms Committee to Address Queer Community Issues
In response to a Supreme Court directive, the government has established a six-member committee to examine challenges faced by the queer community. Chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, the committee includes representatives from various ministries such as Home Affairs, Women and Child Development, Health and Family Welfare, Legislative Affairs, and Social Justice and Empowerment. The committee’s mandate encompasses ensuring non-discrimination in accessing goods and services, preventing violence and harassment, and addressing concerns related to involuntary medical treatments and social welfare entitlements. This move comes after the Supreme Court refused to grant legal recognition to same-sex marriages and referred the decision to Parliament. The formation of this committee signifies a proactive step towards addressing the needs and rights of the LGBTQ+ community, signaling a potential shift towards more inclusive policies and practices.
Bombay High Court Contemplates IT Rules Amendment
The Bombay High Court is currently deliberating challenges to the 2021 IT Rules Amendment, which has sparked controversy over the transparency of the government’s fact-checking unit (FCU). Critics argue that the vague language of the amendment could pave the way for state censorship, undermining freedom of speech and expression. The petitioners, including comedian Kunal Kamra, highlight concerns about arbitrary content takedowns and suspension of social media accounts. They question the lack of disclosure regarding the basis of the FCU’s conclusions and its access to undisclosed information. The court’s decision will have significant implications for online freedom and government regulation of digital media platforms. With divergent opinions among judges, the case underscores the complexities of balancing regulatory frameworks with individual liberties in the digital age.
Supreme Court Probes Election Commission on EVM Security
In a significant development, the Supreme Court has initiated inquiries into the security of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and the Election Commission’s protocols for addressing manipulation allegations. This follows a plea filed by an NGO, Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), advocating for increased verification of Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips to ensure the integrity of elections. The petition raises concerns about the susceptibility of EVMs to tampering and calls for greater transparency in the electoral process. During the hearing, advocates emphasized the importance of paper trails in bolstering public trust and safeguarding democratic principles. The Election Commission’s responses regarding post-polling EVM checks and CCTV coverage at polling booths provide insight into existing safeguards but also raise questions about the adequacy of current security measures. The Supreme Court’s scrutiny of these issues underscores the importance of ensuring the credibility and fairness of electoral processes in a democracy.
GOVERNMENT SCHEMES
Journalists Welfare Scheme:
(Ministry of Information and Broadcasting)
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting introduces a welfare scheme to provide one-time ex-gratia relief to journalists and their families facing extreme hardship in a time-bound manner.
Benefits and Eligibility Criteria:
- Journalist Relief: Up to ₹5,00,000 provided to the family in case of the journalist’s death, and up to ₹5,00,000 for permanent disability, or ₹2,00,000 for serious injuries due to accidents.
- Medical Assistance: Up to ₹3,00,000 for major ailments like cancer, renal failure, and heart ailments, with relaxation in age parameters for deserving cases.
- Eligibility: Applicants must be Indian citizens, residing in India, serving or retired journalists, and accredited to the Press Information Bureau (PIB) at the central or state level. Non-accredited journalists must have a minimum of five years of continuous journalism experience.
National Youth Volunteers Scheme:
(Ministry Of Youth Affairs & Sports)
Objective:
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports introduces a volunteership scheme to harness the potential of disciplined and dedicated youth aged 18 to 29, fostering their involvement in nation-building endeavors. Aimed at engaging youth in constructive activities, the scheme seeks to promote civic participation and contribute to overall national development.
Benefits:
Selected participants serve for up to two years, receiving a monthly honorarium of ₹5000. Additionally, they undergo a four-week training period to enhance their skills in IT, report/documentation preparation, and media engagement. Through hands-on experience, volunteers gain valuable insights into various youth programs and contribute effectively to nation-building initiatives.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must be aged between 18 to 29 and have completed Class 10. They should demonstrate a commitment to nation-building and possess IT proficiency, including knowledge of relevant mobile applications for digital initiatives.
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Read Also-DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS(16 APRIL 2024)
