Electoral bonds were declared unconstitutional yesterday by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court has delivered its conclusive verdict on the validity of electoral bonds ahead of the 2024 general elections. The Supreme Court has banned electoral bonds, terming them unconstitutional. Let’s understand what electoral bonds are, their benefits, and the reasons for their ban.
What were the electoral bonds?
Electoral bonds were a kind of promissory note. It was been purchased by any Indian citizen or company at selected branches of the State Bank of India. These bonds were a means for citizens or corporate companies to donate to any political party of their choice.
When were the electoral bonds introduced?
Electoral bonds were introduced with the Financial Bill (2017). On January 29, 2018, the Narendra Modi-led NDA government notified the Electoral Bond Scheme 2018. The very same day it was started.
When were electoral bonds available for sale?
Electoral bonds are made available for sale by the government at the beginning of every quarter for 10 days. In the meantime, their shopping was done. The first 10 days of January, April, July and October have been fixed for the purchase of the bonds by the government. Furthermore, there was a plan by the government to fix an additional period of 30 days in the year of Lok Sabha elections.
Purpose of the Electoral Bonds
While introducing electoral bonds, the government claimed that it would increase transparency in matters of political funding. Moreover, through this bond, donations could be made to the party of one’s choice.
Was there any return on investing in electoral bonds?
There was a provision to give exemption under sections 80GGC and 80GGB of income tax on the amount donated. Furthermore, an exemption was by donating through bonds and not donating directly to the political party.
Why the Supreme Court Banned the Electoral Bonds?
The Supreme Court of India recently banned the Electoral Bond Scheme on February 15, 2024. Furthermore, the verdict regarding the Electoral Bond Scheme was delivered by a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court of India. Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, B.R. Gavai, J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra have given this verdict. While they arrived at a unanimous decision, each judge may have had slightly different reasoning. They have cited several key reasons:
1. Violation of the Right to Information:
The anonymity provided by the scheme, where donors remain unknown, was deemed to violate the fundamental right to information enshrined in Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution. The court argued that voters have a right to know who is funding political parties to make informed decisions during elections.
2. Lack of Transparency:
The scheme’s opacity raised concerns about its potential to facilitate corruption and undue influence on policy decisions. Furthermore, the court felt that without transparency, it was impossible to track the source of funds and prevent unfair advantages for certain parties.
3. Unequal Treatment of Political Parties:
Critics argued that the scheme unfairly benefited larger parties with better access to funds, making it harder for smaller parties to compete. The court did not directly address this concern, but the emphasis on transparency could potentially level the playing field.
4. Constitutional Challenges:
The court also identified specific constitutional issues with the scheme. For example, they found the provision allowing unlimited corporate donations through bonds to be violative of free and fair elections. Additionally, the amendment permitting loss-making companies to donate was deemed arbitrary and discriminatory.
5. Potential for Misuse:
While the scheme aimed to reduce cash transactions in political funding, the court expressed concerns about the potential misuse of anonymous bonds for money laundering or illegal activities.
Overall, the Supreme Court’s decision to ban the Electoral Bond Scheme aimed to promote transparency, accountability, and fairness in Indian elections by ensuring more information about political funding is available to the public.
It’s important to note that the implications of this decision are still evolving, and there may be further developments in the future.
Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana was launched by PM Narendra Modi yesterday. He informed the public about this scheme by posting on X. Moreover, a press release was made by the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a government scheme that aims to provide free electricity to one crore households in India. Under the scheme, households will be provided with a subsidy of up to 40% on the cost of installing solar panels. The government will also provide a loan of up to 60% of the cost, which can be repaid over 10 years. The scheme is expected to generate 10 GW of solar power and reduce carbon emissions by 10 million tonnes per year.
This scheme was been announced after Pran Pratishtha of Ram Mandir but detail was not provided at that time. Click Here to Read
The government will provide significant subsidies directly to people’s bank accounts, along with heavily concessional bank loans. Moreover, the Central Government will ensure that citizens will not incur any costs. Furthermore, to provide convenience all stakeholders will be integrated into a National Online Portal.
Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana Focus Urban Areas
PM Modi wants to popularise this scheme. He aims to implement this scheme at the ground level by motivating urban local bodies and gram panchayats. Urban Local Bodies and Panchayats will be provided with incentives to promote the scheme of rooftop solar systems at the local level. This scheme will lead to increased income, lower power bills, and generation of employment opportunities for the people.
Moreover, he motivated youth to participate in this scheme and make it successful.
Eligibility for Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Scheme
To be eligible for the scheme, households must meet the following criteria:
The household must have a roof that is suitable for installing solar panels.
The household must have a monthly electricity consumption of less than 300 units.
The household must not have any outstanding electricity bills.
How to Apply
To apply for the scheme, households can visit the website of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) or the website of the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI).
The scheme is a welcome step towards increasing the adoption of solar energy in India. It is expected to provide significant benefits to households, both in terms of financial savings and environmental protection.
Benefits of Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
Here are some of the key benefits of the Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana:
Reduced electricity bills: Solar panels generate clean electricity that powers your home, offsetting your need to buy electricity from the grid. This can lead to significant savings on your monthly bills, especially if you live in a sunny area.
Increased home value: Homes with solar panels are often viewed as more desirable by potential buyers. Thus it can increase your home’s value when you sell.
Reduced carbon emissions: Solar energy is a clean, renewable source of energy. Furthermore, it doesn’t produce greenhouse gas emissions like fossil fuels. This helps to combat climate change and protect the environment.
Increased energy independence: With a solar power system, you are less reliant on the grid for your electricity needs. Moreover, it can be beneficial in case of power outages or disruptions.
If you are interested in applying for the Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, I recommend that you visit the website of the MNRE or the SECI for more information.
Swami Prasad Maurya working as National General Secretary of Samajwadi Party has resigned from his post. He has resigned by writing a letter to Akhilesh Yadav the president of the Samajwadi Party. He has also said that he will continue to work as a worker in the party. In the letter, Swami Prasad expressed his displeasure over the party’s stance on his statements. Swami Prasad Maurya was unhappy with his alleged neglect in the party for a long time.
Swami Prasad Maurya has been in the news for a long time due to his controversial statements. SP and Akhilesh Yadav have also been uncomfortable with his statements many times. Ram Gopal Yadav and Shivpal Yadav have always stated the statements given by him from time to time as his personal opinions. At the same time, Manoj Pandey has said that his mental balance is disturbed. What hurts him more is that even within the party, SP President Akhilesh Yadav is not stopping the statements coming against him.
The accusation he has made on the party leadership of not giving proper participation to Dalits and backward classes is related to the Rajya Sabha elections. Here two out of three tickets have been given to the general category. Swami Prasad Maurya is said to be upset with this also. Leave aside his consideration in ticket distribution, despite being the General Secretary he didn’t get information. It is said that Swami Prasad is against making Jaya Bachchan a candidate for the fifth time.
Swami Prasad Maurya Litmus Test
Sources say that Swami Prasad Maurya has taken steps towards taking a different path from Akhilesh Yadav. His resignation from the post of General Secretary is like a two-way litmus test. Firstly, did the SP leadership come under pressure? Secondly, how much importance he will receive from any other parties?
Sources say if the SP leadership come under pressure, some tickets may be given at his request in the upcoming Lok Sabha ticket distribution. Swami Prasad Maurya’s daughter Sanghamitra is a BJP MP from Badaun, from where SP has given a ticket to Dharmendra Yadav. Furthermore, Swami Prasad wants a ticket from Amla (Bareilly) for his daughter.
Not happy with the ticket distribution
Sources say that Swami Prasad Maurya did not want Dr Naval Kishore Shakya to be made the candidate from Farrukhabad. Dr Shakya was married to Sanghamitra, but later got divorced. Hence Swami Prasad is not happy with this ticket distribution.
Swami Prasad is continuously attacking religious ostentation. In such a situation, he did not like the program of worship before the installation of Lord Shaligram by the SP leadership. Therefore, on the same day, he announced his resignation from the post of General Secretary.
Politics in UP started with the resignation of SP leader Swami Prasad Maurya. President of the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party Om Prakash Rajbhar has called the resignation a gimmick. He said that resigning from the post of General Secretary is a complete drama.
Mauritius and Sri Lanka are now digitally connected with India. You can now receive or send Rupees through your UPI app in Mauritius and Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the Rupay Card will now be considered a domestic card in Mauritius.
Mauritius Prime Minister, Sri Lankan President and Modi Inagurated.
PM Modi, the Prime Minister of Mauritius and the Sri Lankan President jointly inaugurated UPI services. During a recent event, the Prime Minister addressed how today marks a special day for India, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius. He highlighted the importance of the historic connections between these nations taking the form of modern digital connections. Furthermore, this is a testament to the government’s commitment to the development of its people.
The Prime Minister also emphasized that fintech connectivity will further strengthen cross-border transactions and partnerships. He specifically mentioned that India’s United Payments Interface (UPI) will play an important role in connecting partners with India.
The Prime Minister highlighted the revolutionary impact of digital public infrastructure in India. Even the smallest of vendors in remote villages are now able to transact via UPI and make digital payments. The Prime Minister also spoke about the convenience and speed of UPI transactions. Last year, over 100 billion transactions worth Rs 2 lakh crores (equivalent to 8 trillion Sri Lankan rupees or 1 trillion Mauritius rupees) were conducted through UPI.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister mentioned the GEM Trinity of bank accounts, Aadhar and mobile phones, which has enabled the transfer of Rs 34 lakh crores (equivalent to 400 billion US dollars) into the bank accounts of beneficiaries. The Prime Minister also lauded the use of technology in promoting transparency, reducing corruption and increasing inclusivity in society, citing the success of the CoWin platform in facilitating the world’s biggest vaccination programme.
This will grow tourism
The Prime Minister emphasized that India’s foreign policy is ‘Neighborhood First’. Our maritime vision is SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region. India sees its development as interlinked with its neighbours.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that Sri Lanka and Mauritius will benefit from their connection with UPI. With digital transformation they will receive a boost, their local economies will witness positive change, and their tourism will be promoted.
“I am confident that Indian tourists will prioritize destinations with UPI. People of Indian origin living in Sri Lanka and Mauritius, as well as students studying there, will also receive special benefits,” added the Prime Minister.
All eight Indian Navy Veterans who were sentenced to death by Qatar court have been released. Furthermore, out of these eight Indian Navy Veterans, seven reached in India. A big diplomatic victory has been seen for India. Earlier the death penalty was commuted to a longer prison term following India’s intervention.
When Qatar sentenced former Indian Navy officers to death, the whole country became worried about them. There were requests from their family members for their release and safe return. The Ministry of External Affairs had assured that it would use all diplomatic channels and provide legal assistance to them. Moreover, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Monday in an official statement that seven of the eight former naval officers have already returned to India.
PM Modi will go to Qatar after the release of Indian Navy Veterans
The Ministry of External Affairs held a press conference on Monday and stated the release of Indian Navy veterans from Qatar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United Arab Emirates.
On the release of eight former Indian Navy officers from Qatar, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said that we are grateful for their return. We appreciate the decision of the Government of Qatar and the Emir to release him. We are certainly happy to get back seven of them as Indian nationals.
The Foreign Secretary said that after completing his UAE visit on February 14, the PM will visit Doha, Qatar on the afternoon of February 14. Furthermore, he is going to inaugurate the BAPS Temple in Abu Dabi. During this inauguration ceremony around 2000-5000, devotees are expected to come on that day. The inauguration program of the BAPS temple is an important part of PM Modi’s UAE visit.
During the visit, PM Modi will hold bilateral meetings with the Aamir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad and high dignitaries of Qatar. This will be the PM’s second visit to Qatar. The robust bilateral trade between India and Qatar currently stands at $20 billion.
Acharya Pramod Krishnam was fired from the Congress on allegations of indiscipline and anti-party comments. AICC leader KC Venugopal said in the letter that he was expelled from the party for engaging in anti-party activities. Acharya Pramod Krishnam used to give anti-party statements while being in Congress. Due to this, Congress has taken this action against him.
What were the reasons for firing Acharya Pramod Krishnam?
His statements and questioning and opposing Congress party leadership were the reasons for firing him.
1 Acharya Pramod Krishnam said against Rahul Gandhi
Pramod Krishnam also targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. He said, “It took me 4-5 days to meet Prime Minister Modi.
On the other hand, Rahul Gandhi is busy. He meets less, he does not have the nature to meet much. Rahul Gandhi will meet only when he has time. Maybe he feels It would be a waste of time to meet me.
2 He was angry at Mallikarjun Kharge’s statement
Acharya Pramod Krishnam had expressed displeasure over the statement of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. Mallikarjun said that such a person should be deployed at the booth level, who will bark, stay with you and fight.
On this, Pramod Krishnam said that big leaders should take care of their decorum and language. A party is formed from the workers. The worker is hardworking and courageous.
3 Funeral of the INDIA alliance
Congress leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam described the INDIA Alliance as suffering from diseases and said, “I think there is no such thing as INDIA Alliance. As soon as the INDIA Alliance was born, it became suffering from many diseases, in the ICU. Moreover, it had come on the ventilator. Later Nitish Kumar performed his last rites in Patna.”
4 Targeted at Ashok Gehlot
He targeted the then Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot regarding the Shraddha murder case in Rajasthan. He said that the statement of Ashok Gehlot, calling the Shraddha murder case a normal incident, is extremely regrettable and inhuman as well as emboldening the criminals.
What Acharya Pramod Krishnam said after exile
After being expelled from the party, Acharya Pramod Krishnam lashed out at Congress on Sunday. Moreover, he reminded that he should have been exiled for 14 years instead of six years because Rama was also in exile for 14 years.
Acharya Promod Krishnam said that he is first thankful to the Congress leadership for freeing him from the party. He said that he has not engaged in anti-party activities and is questioning the party leadership first.
Acharya Promod Krishnam said that he disagrees with many decisions taken by the Congress party. He said it is wrong for Congress to oppose the abrogation of Article 370. When the DMK leaders compared Sanatana Dharma with dengue and malaria, he clarified that the Congress should not have supported them. Furthermore, he said that he believes in the previous thought of Congress to respect every religion.
Acharya Pramod Krishnam Questioned Congress
Acharya Pramod Krishnam questioned the Congress leadership saying that mentioning the name of Lord Ram and going to Ayodhya for the Prana Pratishtha ceremony are anti-party activities. Pramod Krishnam stated that he had not compromised about Rama and now he is a free man.
Furthermore, he questioned that meeting Narendra Modi and Yogi Adityanath during the Pran Pratishtha Ceremony is an anti-party activity.
Moreover, he said that he promised Rajiv Gandhi that he would stand with him. This promise he made when he was just 16 or 17 years old. Now today he promised to stand with PM Modi. It is because Modi is developing the nation.
Acharya Pramod Krishnam said about Priyanka Gandhi and Sachin Pilot
Acharya Pramod Krishnam, who was expelled from Congress, claimed that Sachin Pilot and Priyanka Gandhi are not being given the respect they deserve in the party. He compared Sachin Pilot to Lord Shiva who drank poison and said that Priyanka Gandhi is also facing a tough time.
He also mentioned that Priyanka Gandhi had been appointed as the general secretary without any portfolio, which is a first in the party’s history. Pramod Krishnam questioned why Priyanka Gandhi did not join Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. Who is behind all of this? He further stated that the party president, Mallikarjun Kharge, is merely a rubber stamp.
Amit Shah announced on Saturday the 10th of February 2024 that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) will be implemented before the Lok Sabha Election. Moreover, he said there is no provision to remove anybody’s citizenship in this act. He clarified that CAA is not a law to take away citizenship from anyone.
Amit Shah said in the Times Global Business Summit.
Amit Shah said our Muslim brothers are being misled, being provoked. CAA is only to give citizenship to those who have come here after facing persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. This is not a law to take away anyone’s Indian citizenship. Furthermore, Amit Shah said it was the promise made by the Congress to give citizenship of India to minority groups in Pakistan and Bangladesh during the partition. Moreover, the congress not only forgot their promise but also misled Muslims in India.
The Home Ministry official gave a big statement regarding the rules of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). He said that the rules of CAA will be notified much before the Lok Sabha elections in 2024.
What is the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)
The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), passed in India in December 2019, is a complex and controversial piece of legislation that has sparked much debate. Here’s a neutral overview of the Act:
What it does:
Amends the Citizenship Act of 1955 to provide a faster track to Indian citizenship for undocumented immigrants who belong to six specific religious minority groups (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians) from three neighbouring countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan).
These immigrants must have entered India before December 31, 2014, and faced religious persecution in their home country.
The Act does not offer the same expedited pathway to Muslims from these countries. Moreover, this has been a major point of contention.
Arguments in favour of CAA:
Proponents argue that the CAA provides refuge to persecuted marginalized groups who face religious discrimination in their home countries.
They see it as a humanitarian gesture and an acknowledgement of India’s historical role as a haven for those fleeing religious persecution.
Arguments against CAA:
Critics argue that the CAA discriminates against Muslims by excluding them from its provisions, violating India’s secular constitution.
They fear it could be used in conjunction with the National Register of Citizens (NRC). Furthermore, NRC is a proposed nationwide registry of Indian citizens. Moreover, it is to disenfranchise Muslims and other minority groups.
The CAA has also been criticized for being poorly drafted and potentially creating a two-tiered system of citizenship.
Current status of CAA:
The CAA has been challenged in the Supreme Court of India, but a final verdict is still pending.
The implementation of the Act, including the accompanying NRC, has been put on hold due to the legal challenges and ongoing protests.
It’s important to note that the CAA is a complex issue with deeply divided opinions. This summary aims to provide a neutral overview. However, it’s crucial to explore different perspectives and engage with diverse sources to form your own informed opinion.
Amit Shah said in West Bengal
In a closed-door meeting with members of the West Bengal BJP’s social media and IT wing at the National Library in Kolkata, Amit Shah said it is the party’s commitment to implement the CAA.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Tuesday that the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) has now become the law of the country. No one can stop it from being implemented. He accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of misleading people on this issue. He said that we have to work to form the BJP government in the next assembly elections in West Bengal. The BJP government will stop infiltration, end cow smuggling and provide citizenship to those persecuted based on religion through CAA.
Furthermore, Amit Shah has said that BJP will win more than 35 seats in West Bengal in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
PV Narasimha Rao, Chaudhary Charan Singh and MS Swaminathan were declared Bharat Ratna by PM Modi on X. Political experts say that the Modi government has solved many equations in different states. Let us know how and which equations have been solved through these personalities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the award of Bharat Ratna to three personalities by tweeting on Friday. These include farmer leader and former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, Congress leader and former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao and agricultural scientist Dr MS Swaminathan. Earlier on January 23, it had been announced to give Bharat Ratna to former Chief Minister of Bihar Karpoori Thakur and on February 3, former Deputy Prime Minister of the country Lal Krishna Advani.
In the election year, many political meanings are being made out of giving the country’s highest civilian honour to five personalities one after the other. Political experts say that the Modi government has solved many equations in different states. Let us know how and which equations have been solved by BJP through these personalities.
1 Chaudhary Charan Singh (Former Prime Minister)
Chaudhary Charan Singh is being recognized as the messiah of the farmers. The award of Bharat Ratna to Charan Singh may impact the Jat-dominated seats of Western Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi in the next Lok Sabha elections. Moreover, it is believed that Jat Voters are influencing 40 Lok Sabha seats in these areas.
There has been speculation for the past several days about Chaudhary Charan Singh’s grandson and Rashtriya Lok Dal chief Jayant Chaudhary joining the BJP. After Charan Singh was given Bharat Ratna, Jayant tweeted, ‘Hearts won.’ If Jayant Chaudhary goes with BJP then BJP can benefit a lot in Western Uttar Pradesh.
Moreover, Jayant Chaudhary is presently associated with the Samajwadi Party an alliance of I.N.D.I.A. Thus this step may weaken the alliance. Furthermore, Nitish Kumar has already left this alliance and Mamta Banerjee may leave this alliance.
2 PV Narasimha Rao (Former Prime Minister)
The opposition continued to allege that Prime Minister Modi always criticizes the first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and his attitude towards former Prime Ministers of Congress is critical. A day earlier, Prime Minister Modi had praised former PM Dr Manmohan Singh in the Rajya Sabha. The PM said that Manmohan Singh Ji kept coming to the House even in a wheelchair and kept giving strength to democracy.
The next day, it was announced to give Bharat Ratna to PV Narasimha Rao. The announcement of posthumously awarding Bharat Ratna to PV Narasimha Rao is also a befitting reply to the opposition. Furthermore, the BJP has been continuously alleging that Congress always ignored Rao’s contribution as Prime Minister. Even Mani Shankar Aiyar, a staunch critic of Modi, had once called Rao the first Prime Minister of BJP.
3 Dr MS Swaminathan
Dr MS Swaminathan’s achievements as a scientist have been unmatched. Apart from this, his personality has also been representing the talented people of South India. Posthumously awarding Bharat Ratna to Swaminathan can further strengthen the Modi government’s strategy to woo the South. Swaminathan was the father of the agricultural revolution. Awarding him Bharat Ratna is being seen as the BJP’s strategy to woo the South as well as the farmers in the North.
4 Lal Krishna Advani
Lal Krishna Advani has been a strong leader of the BJP and a big face of the Ram Mandir movement. By giving the Bharat Ratna to Advani after the consecration of the Ram Mandir on January 22, the BJP gave a message to its voters. BJP was being accused of neglecting Advani, one of the big faces of the temple movement. Even when the temple was consecrated, the opposition raised this issue. Within 10 days of the consecration of the Ram Mandir, the BJP snatched this issue from the opposition by giving Bharat Ratna to Advani. Along with this, a message is been given to traditional voters about respect for senior leaders.
5 Karpoori Thakur (Former Chief Minister of Bihar)
This year, it was first announced to give Bharat Ratna to Jannayak Karpuri Thakur. The former Chief Minister of Bihar was a hero of social justice. Experts say that this step of the Center can help BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Furthermore, the share of backward and 36% extremely backward classes in Bihar is 27%. Karpoori Thakur has a huge impact on society with overall participation of 63%. This class sees him as their hero.
Karpoori Thakur’s son Ramnath Thakur is a Rajya Sabha MP of JDU. Just eight days after Karpoori received Bharat Ratna, BJP and JDU once again came together. Furthermore, the parties of Chirag Paswan, Pashupati Kumar and Jitan Ram Manjhi were already partners of NDA.
Altogether, in such a situation, based on new political equations, the BJP is considering itself very strong in Bihar. It is being said that by giving Bharat Ratna to Karpoori, the BJP has worked to solve the political equation of Bihar. Moreover, now senior leaders of the party have started claiming to win all 40 Lok Sabha seats in the state in the upcoming elections.
6 multi-tracking Indian Railways projects were approved by the cabinet yesterday on the 8th of February 2024. Out of these 6 railway projects, 3 will be beneficial for Rajasthan.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approved six projects of the Ministry of Railways with a total estimated cost of approximately Rs. 12,343 crore. The projects are to be funded 100% by the Central Government. The purpose of multi-tracking is to reduce congestion and improve infrastructure development on the busiest sections of Indian Railways.
The projects align with the vision of Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji for a New India. The vision is to empower the people of the region to become “Atmanirbhar” through comprehensive development. Furthermore, this will enhance their employment and self-employment opportunities.
Six projects are underway, covering 18 districts across six states in India. These states are Rajasthan, Assam, Telangana, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Nagaland. These projects will increase the existing Indian Railways network by 1020 kilometres. Moreover, it will provide employment opportunities to approximately three crore people across these states.
The PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan has led to these projects. This will result in multi-model connectivity that seamlessly moves people, goods, and services through integrated planning.
Railways Projects details
The following is the detail of the 6 projects of Indian Railways approved by the cabinet
S.No
Name of Section
Length in Kms
Estimate Cost ( Rs)
State
1
Ajmer – Chanderiya
178.28
1813.28
Rajasthan
2
Jaipur – Sawai Madhopur
131.27
1268.57
Rajasthan
3
Luni – Samdari – Bhildi
271.97
3530.92
Rajasthan and Gujrat
4
Agthori-Kamakhya with new Rail cum Road Briedge
7.062
1650.37
Assam
5
Lumding-Furkating
140
2333.84
Assam and Nagaland
6
Motumari-Vishnupuram and Rail over Rail at Motumari
88.81 and 10.87
1746.20
Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
These routes are crucial for transporting essential commodities. These are food grains, fertilizers, coal, cement, iron, steel, fly ash, clinker, limestone, POL, containers, and more. Furthermore, by increasing the capacity of these routes, an additional 87 million tonnes of freight can be transported per year. Additionally, Railways are an eco-friendly and energy-efficient mode of transportation. Moreover, it can help achieve climate goals, minimize logistics costs, reduce oil imports, and lower CO2 emissions.
The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill was passed in the Uttarakhand assembly by voice vote at around 6 pm yesterday on the 7th of February 2024. After the approval from the governor and President of India, the Uniform Civil Code bill will become a law.
After day-long discussions on the bill during which opposition members demanded to send the bill to a standing committee. Moreover, they demand that this committee examine certain provisions like registration of live-in relationships.
The ruling BJP has a clear majority in the assembly. It has 47 members. BJP also has the support of some independent MLAs. Therefore the BJP was sure to pass the uniform civil code bill.
Before that, the Uttarakhand government had constituted a committee of experts under the leadership of a retired Supreme Court judge in May 2022. The government issued a notification on 27 May 2022 and the terms were notified on 10 June 2022. On February 4, the Uniform Civil Code Bill was approved by the Uttarakhand Cabinet. After that the Uniform Civil Code Uttarakhand 2024′ bill was introduced in the Uttarakhand Assembly.
What is the Uniform Civil Code
The Uniform Civil Code aims to replace personal laws based on religion or community with a common set of civil laws governing matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption. Furthermore, the uniform civil code bill passed in Uttarakhand has 7 schedules and 392 sections.
The Bill is divided into 13 Chapters, with each further divided into sections. Here’s a high-level overview of some key sections:
Preliminary:
In the first chapter of the Uniform Civil Code bill
Section 1 defines the short title, commencement, and extent of the Bill.
Marriage and Matrimonial Remedies:
Sections 3-9 deal with conditions for a valid marriage, void and voidable marriages, and registration of marriages.
Sections 10-32 cover grounds for divorce, procedures, and related aspects.
Section 33 addresses maintenance during legal proceedings.
Section 34 specifies rights to permanent alimony and maintenance.
Adoption and Guardianship:
Sections 35-42 layout rules for adoption, including conditions, procedures, and rights of adopted children.
Sections 43-52 define guardianship principles and procedures.
Maintenance and Inheritance:
Sections 53-67 establish rights to maintenance for various dependents.
Sections 68-114 detail rules for inheritance, including property division among family members, bequests, and wills.
Incidental Proceedings:
Sections 115-128 cover miscellaneous legal procedures related to the Bill’s implementation.
Savings and Repeals:
Section 129 clarifies that existing personal laws based on religion or community will be saved for specified matters like religious customs and rituals.
Sections 130-132 address repeals of conflicting provisions from other laws.
Important Note:
It’s crucial to remember that the Bill is still in its preliminary stages and details might change before becoming law. Moreover, the final structure and contents of the schedules and sections may differ from the current draft.
What does the Uttarakhand UCC Bill entail?
The bill applies to all citizens of Uttarakhand except the Scheduled Tribal group. It includes provisions for:
Equal property rights for sons and daughters
Elimination of distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children
Equal property rights after death
Registration of live-in relationships and rights for children born from them
Ban on polygamy, Halala, and Iddat
Uniform grounds for marriage and divorce
What about marriage in the Uniform Civil Code Bill?
Part 1 of the Bill deals with marriage and divorce. Whereas in Part 2, place has been given to marriage and divorce registration. Some laws allow polygamy. Since second marriage is a crime for Hindus, Christians and Parsis. Moreover, there is a provision of punishment of seven years. That’s why some people change religion to marry again. After the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), polygamy will be banned. Important provisions for this are:
The Uniform Civil Code clearly defines the minimum age of marriage for all, in which the age of the young man should not be less than 21 years and the age of the girl should not be less than 18 years.
In this code, the parties to marriage, i.e. between whom marriage can take place, have been clearly stated. Marriage can take place only between a man and a woman.
In this code, second marriage is completely prohibited if the husband or wife is alive.
Now, after divorce, a woman cannot be bound by any kind of conditions to marry the same man or any other man again. If any such matter comes to notice, then there is a provision of three years imprisonment or a fine of one lakh rupees or both.
After marriage, if any of the married couple changes religion without the consent of the other, then the other person will have full right to seek divorce and claim maintenance.
Registration is Mandatory
Registration of marriage will now be mandatory. To simplify this process, it will now be possible to register them at Gram Panchayat, Nagar Panchayat, Municipality, Municipal Corporation and district and state levels. To make the process easier, there will also be a web portal that can be visited to complete the registration process.
The religious/social rituals of marriage between a man and a woman have not been touched upon in this code. That is, whatever method those people have been using to get married, such as Saptapadi, Ashirwad, Nikah, Holy Union, Anand Karuj or other such traditions, they will be able to solemnize the marriage based on those prevalent traditions.
What is in the Uniform Civil Code about Divorce?
The government said in the Assembly that due to the non-implementation of the Uniform Civil Code, the mother power has suffered the most loss so far. Men took advantage of the weak laws and continued practicing polygamy, Uttak etc.
Once the Uniform Civil Code is implemented, the cases pending in the court will also be resolved soon. The Uniform Civil Code will improve the condition of Muslim sisters. Muslim women will also get the right to adopt a child.
All religions in the country have different personal laws. After the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code, there will be uniform laws for all religions. But apart from the points included in the Uniform Civil Code, the beliefs of any religion have not been tampered with.
Many social evils flourish under the cover of religious customs. This includes slavery, devadasi, dowry, triple talaq, child marriage or other practices. The Uniform Civil Code guarantees the elimination of all these social evils.
What will be the rules regarding live-in relationships?
In the Assembly, the Chief Minister said that in a democratic country like India, the issue of live-in relationships is related to consent versus established social moral norms. Necessary laws have been made and protected to protect the rights of every citizen in the country, but a balance between rights and social order is also necessary. That is why the Government of Uttarakhand has recommended adopting a balanced approach to live-in relationships in the Uniform Civil Code.
There is a provision in this Act for a couple living in a live-in relationship. The girl must be 18 years of age or older. The boy’s age must be more than 21 years of age. Moreover, both will have to get a registration done for identification before living in a live-in relationship. It will be mandatory for both the boy and girl to inform their parents about this registration.
The Uttarakhand government has made registration mandatory in cases of live-in relationships so that such couples do not face any legal hurdles in getting a house on rent or other identification requirements.
What about Succession in the Uniform Civil Code Bill?
Presenting the bill in the Assembly, Chief Minister Dhami said that there has been a wide discrepancy or variation in the rights of succession to property or will in the effective and prevalent systems. For example, in most of the provisions, the mother, spouse and children have rights in the property of the deceased, but the father has not been given the right. Similarly, there is inequality based on gender among the children of the same person. Married and unmarried daughters also have different rights.
The Uniform Civil Code provides for a share in the property of the deceased to the parents. Its provision has been made in the Explanation of Section 49 and Category-1 of Schedule-2. Widespread inequality between sons and daughters in property rights is being removed.
This bill is to remove the differences in succession and daughter’s rights in the Hindu Succession Act, Indian Succession Act and Shariat Act. It provides equal rights to all the children of a person. After centuries, we are going to give concrete shape to the principle of equality between sons and daughters in the right to inherit property.
Rights of Children in the Uniform Civil Code
The Uniform Civil Code has served to secure children’s rights to dignity and property.
In the Uniform Civil Code, a child born out of any relationship has been defined in Section 3 (1-A). While on the other hand, in Section 49, children born in any manner are given equal rights in property.
The Uniform Civil Code is going to deprive the murdered son of his property rights. This provision has been made in Section 58 of the Code. Now a person will stay away from the heinous and heinous crime of murder to inherit property.
Section 3 (1-3), 3 (3-A) and Chapter 2 of the Uniform Civil Code provide that a person can voluntarily bequeath all the property acquired by any means to any person. Moreover, he can change the will during his lifetime or even take it back if he wishes.
