The STAR (Supersonic TARget) missile has recently revolutionized India's defense training capabilities by eliminating the need for expensive imported target systems. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the STAR missile offers a cost-effective and indigenous solution for simulating realistic threats during missile training exercises.
Purpose: Unlike combat missiles designed to destroy targets, the STAR missile simulates realistic threats to aid in missile interception training. It helps the Indian Armed Forces practice their response to real-time threats without the costs associated with using actual targets or imported systems.
Development: The missile was developed by DRDO, India’s premier defense research agency, to meet the need for cost-effective and versatile training missiles.
Missile Design: STAR is designed to mimic the behavior of modern supersonic anti-ship missiles and cruise missiles, helping forces to practice intercepting such threats.
To cater to different combat needs, DRDO is developing the STAR missile in two primary variants:
Air-Launched STAR:
Platform: This version is carried by fighter jets like the LCA Tejas.
Simulation Role: It simulates air-to-air and air-to-ground strikes, including roles like Anti-Radiation and Anti-AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System).
Utility: Provides a high-fidelity training environment for air forces to practice intercepting a variety of aerial threats.
Ground-Launched STAR:
Platform: This variant is truck-mounted and highly mobile.
Deployment: It can be deployed from shorelines or remote zones without requiring expensive infrastructure.
Flexibility: This version is designed to serve the Navy and Army in training exercises, allowing for a broader range of drills in land and maritime environments.
Two-Stage Propulsion System:
Solid Booster Rocket: Provides quick lift-off, ensuring rapid response and deployment during training missions.
Liquid Fuel Ramjet (LFRJ): Enables sustained supersonic flight, which is essential for simulating real-world missile trajectories.
Speed and Range:
Maximum Speed: Mach 1.8 to 2.5, which replicates the speed of modern supersonic cruise missiles.
Altitude Range: The STAR missile can operate between 100 meters and 10 kilometers in altitude.
Operational Range: Between 55 km to 175 km, allowing it to simulate a variety of missile intercept scenarios.
Flight Duration:
Flight Times: The missile has a flight duration ranging from 50 seconds to 200 seconds, simulating different missile attack scenarios.
Low-Level Flight: It can fly as low as 12 feet above water, mimicking the trajectory of sea-skimming missiles.
High-Altitude Flight: It can also perform high-altitude attacks by plunging from over 30,000 feet, mimicking cruise missiles or high-altitude threats.
High Manoeuvrability:
The STAR missile simulates zig-zag or evasive enemy movements, making it challenging for defense systems to intercept, thus training forces under realistic conditions.
Tracking and Interception:
The missile is equipped to be tracked by various defense systems, including radar, missile interception systems, and tracking devices, providing comprehensive training in targeting and interception.
Safe Recovery or Detonation:
Depending on the mission, the STAR missile can either be safely recovered after flight or detonated at the end of the exercise, ensuring safety during training while also replicating the intensity of real combat situations.
Cost-Effective Training: By eliminating the reliance on imported target systems, the STAR missile allows India to conduct large-scale and frequent missile training exercises at a fraction of the cost.
Indigenous Development: The STAR missile is a significant step toward self-reliance in defense, boosting India's capabilities in indigenous defense technology and ensuring that the country can independently meet its training needs.
Operational Realism: The missile's high-speed, versatile capabilities enable the armed forces to practice interception against modern missile threats, improving their response time and tactical proficiency.
Strengthened Defense Forces: With the integration of STAR into training programs, the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force can enhance their preparedness to deal with evolving missile threats, improving overall national security.
The STAR missile represents a pioneering achievement in India’s defense capabilities, combining cutting-edge technology with cost-effective and efficient training solutions. With its range of features, including high speed, maneuverability, and simulation of real-world missile threats, STAR will undoubtedly play a crucial role in preparing India’s armed forces for modern warfare. Its development marks another step towards self-sufficiency and indigenous innovation in India’s defense sector
The Government of India has recently extended the RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products) incentive scheme for exporters until March 31, 2026. This extension aims to support Indian exporters by compensating for taxes and duties that are embedded in exported goods but are not refunded under any other mechanism.
Introduction: The RoDTEP scheme was introduced as an amendment to the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20 and became effective for exports starting January 1, 2021.
Primary Objective: The scheme’s primary goal is to offset taxes and duties incurred on exported goods, which are not eligible for reimbursement under other schemes. This ensures that the costs associated with exporting goods are reduced, making Indian products more competitive in global markets.
Global Compliance: The RoDTEP scheme is designed to be compliant with World Trade Organization (WTO) norms, ensuring that it doesn't violate global trade rules.
Implementation: The scheme is implemented via a digital platform for end-to-end transparency and efficiency. Exporters can claim remissions through this platform, ensuring a smooth and quick process.
Replacement of MEIS: RoDTEP replaced the Merchandise Export Incentive Scheme (MEIS), which was challenged by the United States at the WTO due to concerns about subsidy compliance.
The scheme reimburses exporters for embedded duties, taxes, and levies incurred during the production and distribution of exported products. These include:
Indirect taxes: Taxes applied at prior stages of manufacturing and distribution.
Direct taxes: Taxes that are not refunded under any existing mechanism at the central, state, or local levels.
The remittance is provided as a percentage of the freight on board (FOB) value of exports, ensuring that exporters get reimbursed based on the value of their exports.
Sectors Covered: The scheme applies to all sectors, with labor-intensive sectors given priority to encourage employment.
Eligible Exporters:
Both manufacturer exporters and merchant exporters (traders) are eligible.
Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and Export-Oriented Units (EOUs) are also eligible.
No turnover threshold is required for eligibility under the scheme.
Goods Criteria:
The goods exported must have India as their country of origin.
Re-exported products are not eligible for the benefits under this scheme.
Exports made via courier or e-commerce platforms are also covered under RoDTEP.
Remission in the Form of e-Scrips:
The rebate is issued as transferable e-scrips, which are maintained in an electronic credit ledger managed by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).
These e-scrips hold monetary value and can be used to pay basic customs duties on imported goods.
They are also transferable to other importers, providing flexibility to exporters.
Digital Platform for Speedy Clearance:
The scheme is facilitated through an IT-based platform that ensures faster clearance and remissions.
An audit and monitoring mechanism ensures compliance and verifies the records of exporters through a risk management system.
Boost to Exporters: By providing a rebate on embedded taxes, the RoDTEP scheme reduces the overall cost burden on exporters, enhancing the competitiveness of Indian products in the global market.
WTO Compliance: The scheme is designed to adhere to WTO norms, ensuring that India’s export incentives are aligned with global trade standards and avoiding trade disputes.
Increased Export Potential: With its focus on all sectors, especially labor-intensive industries, the scheme aims to boost export growth and employment opportunities, making Indian exports more attractive globally.
Simplified Process: The digitalization of the refund process ensures transparency, speed, and efficiency, reducing administrative burdens and delays for exporters.
The extension of the RoDTEP scheme until March 31, 2026 reinforces the government’s commitment to supporting India’s export sector. By offering tax reimbursements on embedded duties and taxes, the scheme boosts India's export competitiveness and ensures the country remains a key player in the global trade arena.
The Prime Minister of India recently inaugurated the Bairabi–Sairang broad-gauge railway line, marking a historic milestone for Mizoram. This railway line is Mizoram's first-ever connection to the national railway network, significantly improving connectivity for the state.
Connectivity:
The rail line extends from Bairabi, located on the Assam–Mizoram border, to Sairang, which is only about 20 km from Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram.
For the first time, Aizawl is directly connected to India's railway network, making it the fourth northeastern state capital to have a rail link after Guwahati, Agartala, and Itanagar.
Length: The Bairabi-Sairang railway line spans 51.38 km, running through some of the most challenging and hilly terrains in the Northeast, showcasing remarkable engineering feats.
Engineering Highlights:
The project involves 48 tunnels with a combined length of 12,853 meters.
There are 142 bridges on the line, including 55 major bridges and 87 minor bridges.
One of the most notable engineering marvels is Bridge No. 196, which stands at a height of 104 meters, taller than Delhi's Qutub Minar. This makes it the highest bridge in Mizoram and the second-highest pier bridge in Indian Railways.
The project also includes several road overbridges and underbridges to ensure smooth connectivity.
Operational Speed: Passenger trains running on the Bairabi-Sairang line will be able to achieve speeds of up to 100 km/h, ensuring faster travel and better connectivity for Mizoram’s residents and visitors.
Project Cost: The total cost of the Bairabi-Sairang rail line project is over Rs 8,070 crore, highlighting its significant investment and strategic importance for the region.
Improved Connectivity: The new rail line directly connects Aizawl to the national rail network, improving both passenger and freight movement across the region, which was previously dependent on road transport.
Economic Boost: The project is expected to boost economic activities in Mizoram by facilitating the transport of goods, enabling easier access to markets, and enhancing tourism prospects.
Enhanced Regional Integration: The project strengthens regional integration within the Northeast by linking Mizoram to the rest of India’s transport infrastructure. This will promote social and economic interactions, along with faster response times for emergency services and disaster relief.
Strategic Importance: The rail line plays a crucial role in defence mobility, allowing the Indian Armed Forces quicker access to the region, which has important strategic implications.
The inauguration of the Bairabi-Sairang Rail Line is a landmark achievement for Mizoram, marking its integration into the national railway network. The project, which overcame significant geographical and engineering challenges, promises to be a catalyst for the state's economic, social, and cultural development. With improved infrastructure, better connectivity, and reduced travel times, this railway line is poised to bring long-term benefits to Mizoram and the Northeast region of India
There has been a sharp decline in the issuance of Certificates of Deposit (CDs) by banks in recent months. This shift has led mutual funds to explore alternative money market instruments, such as treasury bills and commercial papers, to park their funds.
A Certificate of Deposit (CD) is a fixed-income financial instrument that is regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). It is essentially an agreement between the depositor and the bank, where the bank pays interest on the depositor's investment for a fixed tenure.
Minimum Deposit: A CD can be issued with a minimum deposit of Rs. 1 lakh, with subsequent multiples allowed.
Eligibility:
Issued by Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) and All-India Financial Institutions.
Cooperative Banks and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) are not eligible to issue CDs.
Individuals, corporations, companies, and funds are eligible to invest in CDs.
NRIs can also invest, but only on a non-repatriable basis.
Maturity Period:
For commercial banks, the maturity ranges between 7 days and 1 year.
For financial institutions, the maturity period extends from 1 year to 3 years.
Interest Rates:
CDs generally offer higher interest rates compared to savings accounts and some other fixed-term investment products.
The rates may be fixed or floating, depending on the bank's policies and market conditions.
Liquidity:
CDs are issued in dematerialized form and can be transferred through endorsement or delivery, enhancing their liquidity.
No lock-in period for CDs allows investors flexibility to access their funds or reinvest after the agreed term.
Taxation:
CDs are fully taxable under the Income Tax Act.
Collaterals and Redemption:
Since there is no lock-in period, CDs cannot be used as collateral.
Banks cannot buy back their own CDs before maturity.
Regulations:
Banks issuing CDs need to maintain statutory ratios like the Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) and the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR).
In the last few months, banks have reduced their issuance of Certificates of Deposit, primarily due to changing market dynamics. This has prompted mutual funds to shift focus towards alternative short-term investment options like treasury bills and commercial papers, which provide similar liquidity and returns.
This reduction in CD issuance has raised concerns, particularly about the liquidity options available for institutional investors and the interest rate environment.
The Certificate of Deposit (CD) remains a popular short-term investment tool for individuals and institutions due to its higher interest rates compared to savings accounts and its flexibility in terms of liquidity. However, the recent drop in its issuance has led to a re-evaluation of its role in the market. As mutual funds and investors pivot towards alternatives like treasury bills and commercial papers, it remains to be seen how this shift will influence the broader money market and the liquidity environment in India
The Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses is a new initiative by the Indian government aimed at boosting the domestic production of pulses and achieving self-sufficiency, or Aatmanirbharta, in this crucial agricultural sector.
The mission focuses on increasing domestic pulse production to reduce dependency on imports and ensure that India can meet its growing demand for pulses.
It will be implemented over a period of six years from 2025-26 to 2030-31.
Comprehensive Strategy
The mission encompasses multiple components such as research, seed systems, area expansion, procurement, and price stability, all aimed at building a sustainable pulse production ecosystem in the country.
Focus on High-Quality Seeds
A significant emphasis will be placed on developing and disseminating superior-quality seeds that are high-yielding, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient.
Multi-location trials will be conducted in pulse-growing states to ensure that the varieties are well-suited to different regional conditions.
Seed Production and Distribution
States will prepare five-year rolling seed production plans to guarantee a continuous supply of premium seeds.
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) will oversee the production of breeder seeds, while foundation and certified seed production will be managed at the state and central levels.
The Seed Authentication, Traceability & Holistic Inventory (SATHI) portal will track the entire seed supply chain.
Capacity Building
Structured training programs will be rolled out for farmers and seed growers to promote sustainable farming practices and modern technologies.
The aim is to improve the overall farming capacity of pulse-growers and equip them with the latest techniques.
Post-Harvest Infrastructure
To address post-harvest issues, the mission will support the creation of 1000 processing units. This will help in reducing crop losses, improving value addition, and boosting market access.
A subsidy of up to Rs. 25 lakhs will be provided to set up processing and packaging units.
Cluster-Based Approach
The mission will adopt a cluster-based approach, tailoring interventions to suit the specific needs of different regions. This strategy will help to enhance productivity and promote geographic diversification of pulse production.
Procurement Support
The mission guarantees maximum procurement of pulses such as Tur, Urad, and Masoor under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) of PM-AASHA.
NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India) and NCCF (National Cooperative Consumers' Federation) will handle 100% procurement from farmers who register with these agencies and enter into agreements.
A mechanism will be set up to monitor global pulse prices, ensuring that the procurement process is responsive to international market trends.
The Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses represents a significant step towards agricultural self-sufficiency in India. By focusing on quality seeds, post-harvest infrastructure, and cluster-based interventions, the mission seeks to address key challenges in pulse production. Additionally, the emphasis on price support and procurement ensures that farmers have a safety net, encouraging greater participation in pulse farming. This initiative not only aims to reduce India’s reliance on pulse imports but also to enhance food security and economic stability for millions of farmers
The Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) has been recently constituted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to regulate and supervise the country's payment systems, marking a significant step in the development of India's financial infrastructure.
The PRB derives its authority from the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, which governs the regulation of payment and settlement systems in India.
The PRB replaces the Board for Regulation and Supervision of Payment and Settlement Systems (BPSS), which was previously a committee within the RBI’s Central Board.
Ex Officio Chairperson: The RBI Governor serves as the Chairperson of the PRB.
Ex Officio Members:
The Deputy Governor of RBI.
The Executive Director in charge of Payment and Settlement Systems at RBI.
Government Nominees: The Central Government nominates 3 members to the Board.
Legal Adviser: The principal legal adviser of the RBI will be a permanent invitee to the meetings of the PRB.
The PRB makes decisions by a majority vote of the members present.
In case of a tie, the Chairperson (or, in their absence, the Deputy Governor) holds the casting vote.
The Board is required to meet at least twice a year to discuss key matters related to payment systems.
The primary function of the PRB is to regulate and supervise all payment systems, both electronic and non-electronic, across domestic and cross-border contexts.
Regulation of Payment Systems: This includes monitoring the functioning of various payment platforms, clearing and settlement systems, and ensuring that they adhere to the necessary standards for security, efficiency, and reliability.
Supervision of Domestic and Cross-Border Systems: The board is tasked with ensuring that both domestic and international payment channels are robust and effective.
Oversight of Payment System Providers: It will oversee various payment entities such as banks, financial institutions, fintech companies, and any other entities involved in payment system operations.
Policy Formulation and Implementation: The PRB will also help in formulating policies that support the growth and stability of payment systems in India.
The PRB will be supported by the RBI’s Department of Payment and Settlement Systems (DPSS), which will report directly to the PRB.
The Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) plays a crucial role in strengthening the payment ecosystem in India. Its formation highlights the RBI’s ongoing commitment to enhance the security, efficiency, and reliability of the country’s payment systems, which are vital to India’s growing digital economy. With its expanded governance structure and powers, the PRB will help to ensure that India’s payment systems remain globally competitive and resilient in the face of evolving technological advancements
Recently, Pakistan announced the successful test of its new long-range cruise missile, Fatah-IV, showcasing a significant advancement in its missile capabilities.
Indigenous Development: The Fatah-4 is Pakistan’s indigenously developed long-range cruise missile, designed for precision strikes.
Range: The missile has a range of 750 kilometers (470 miles), enabling it to target distant locations with high accuracy.
Speed: It can reach speeds of Mach 0.7 (approximately 865 km/h) during flight.
Size and Weight:
Length: Around 7.5 meters.
Weight: Approximately 1,530 kilograms.
Launch Platform: The missile can be fired from transporter-erector-launcher (TEL) vehicles, offering mobility and flexibility in deployment.
Propulsion: It uses solid-propellant propulsion, allowing it to be rapidly deployed and fired.
Warhead: The Fatah-4 is designed to carry a conventional warhead weighing around 330 kilograms (approximately 728 pounds), but not nuclear warheads.
Guidance Systems: The missile is equipped with a navigation suite comprising:
Global Positioning System (GPS).
Inertial Navigation System (INS).
Countermeasures: It employs electronic countermeasures and AI-driven technology to help the missile lock onto targets, even in difficult environments with potential interference.
Accuracy: The Fatah-4 has an impressive Circular Error Probability (CEP) of just 4 meters, which means it can hit targets with an error margin of only 4 meters—a major leap in precision for Pakistan's missile technology.
Evasion Capability: The missile is designed to evade enemy air defences through its terrain-hugging flight path, making it difficult to intercept.
The successful test of the Fatah-4 enhances Pakistan’s deterrence capabilities in the region and adds to its arsenal of cruise missiles.
With its advanced features and enhanced accuracy, the missile positions Pakistan to carry out precision strikes with a minimal risk of collateral damage.
The missile also serves as a technological counter to adversary missile defence systems, especially with its terrain-hugging flight profile and sophisticated evasion features.
The Fatah-4 missile marks a milestone in Pakistan's missile development program, strengthening its capability to carry out precision strikes with a focus on conventional warfare. With advanced avionics, guidance systems, and a strong emphasis on countering air defence mechanisms, the Fatah-4 enhances Pakistan's strategic options, particularly in the realm of long-range precision strikes
The extension of President’s Rule in Manipur has brought to the fore the historical and controversial use of Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, shedding light on how its imposition disrupts state democracy and affects political power dynamics.
President’s Rule refers to the suspension of a state government and its legislative assembly, bringing the state under direct control of the central government. It is invoked when the state government is unable to function according to the constitutional provisions, or when the state fails to comply with the directives issued by the Centre.
Article 355: Mandates the Centre to ensure that states function as per the Constitution.
Article 356: Allows the President to impose President’s Rule when the state government fails to function constitutionally. This can be based on the Governor's recommendation or at the President’s discretion.
Article 365: If a state fails to comply with the Centre's directions, President’s Rule can be declared.
Parliamentary Approval: The proclamation must be approved by both Houses of Parliament within two months. If not approved, it becomes invalid. In case of a dissolved Lok Sabha, it can remain valid for 30 days after the reconstitution of the Lok Sabha.
Duration: Initially lasts for six months, and can be extended up to three years with parliamentary approval. However, a constitutional amendment is required for an extension beyond three years.
The President assumes control over state functions, with the Governor acting on their behalf.
The Chief Secretary and appointed advisors help in executing central directives.
The State Legislature is suspended or dissolved, with Parliament taking over legislative authority.
The President can authorize expenditure from the State Consolidated Fund, but it must be subsequently approved by Parliament.
Unlike a National Emergency, President’s Rule does not suspend fundamental rights like Article 19 freedoms, though it can limit governance in the state.
Several judicial pronouncements have sought to check the misuse of President’s Rule:
S.R. Bommai Case (1994): The Supreme Court ruled that Article 356 is subject to judicial review and President's Rule cannot be imposed based merely on the Governor's opinion; a floor test must be conducted to confirm the loss of majority.
Sarbananda Sonowal Case (2005): The Court reinforced the Union’s duty under Article 355 to protect states from external aggression and internal disturbance.
Rameshwar Prasad Case (2006): The SC criticized the dissolution of the Bihar Assembly without a floor test, emphasizing that Article 356 should not be used to combat political defection.
Ensures continuity of administration when a state government fails to function due to law and order issues or governance breakdown.
In cases of secessionist movements, insurgency, or external threats, President’s Rule allows the Centre to step in and maintain national security.
President’s Rule can prevent horse-trading in states with hung assemblies or mass defections, offering space for fresh elections and mandates.
During emergencies like natural disasters or pandemics, President’s Rule ensures seamless coordination between Union and state governments.
It acts as a safeguard against corruption, misuse of power, and rights violations at the state level, upholding the rule of law.
President’s Rule can disturb the balance of power between the Union and states, weakening the spirit of cooperative federalism.
There is a concern that President’s Rule may be used politically, to target opposition governments rather than in cases of genuine constitutional breakdown.
Under President’s Rule, local officials report to the Centre, which may lead to delayed decisions and paralysis in governance, especially if the Centre lacks the local context.
The role of the Governor in recommending President’s Rule has been controversial, as seen in cases like Arunachal Pradesh (2016). There is a fear that Governors act as agents of the Centre rather than independent arbiters.
The Sarkaria Commission (1983) recommended that President’s Rule should be a last resort, used only after all alternatives for resolving a state’s constitutional crisis are exhausted.
The definition of "failure of constitutional machinery" should be precisely defined to avoid misuse.
The Punchhi Commission (2010) suggested localizing emergency provisions, allowing the Governor to impose emergency measures in specific areas for limited durations, rather than statewide imposition.
The Inter-State Council suggests that the Governor's report should be detailed and explanatory, and states should be warned before President’s Rule is invoked.
A floor test should be mandatory to prove the loss of majority before President’s Rule is invoked, ensuring democratic accountability.
A special majority in Parliament should be required to ratify President’s Rule, ensuring broader political consensus.
There should be a judicial review mechanism in place to ensure that President’s Rule is invoked only in cases of genuine breakdown of governance.
Elections should be held promptly after President’s Rule to restore democratic governance. Prolonged President’s Rule should only occur in exceptional cases.
While President’s Rule serves as a necessary constitutional safeguard, its political misuse is a significant concern. Balancing central intervention with state autonomy is crucial for preserving India’s federal structure. Strengthening judicial oversight, ensuring mandatory floor tests, and timely elections are essential steps to ensure its responsible application and to protect the democratic integrity of the Indian Union
In M.S. Patter v. State of NCT of Delhi, the Supreme Court (SC) held that state-run beggars’ homes are not merely penal institutions or charitable endeavors but are instead constitutional trusts that must safeguard the fundamental rights of individuals under Article 21—the right to life with dignity. The ruling emphasizes that the state has a constitutional duty to protect and uphold the dignity of people who are in begging homes.
The Supreme Court outlined several key directions for improving the conditions of beggars and ensuring that their rights are respected, focusing on safety, health, and reintegration into society:
Safety and Security:
Separate facilities should be provided for women and children in beggars' homes, with appropriate childcare, counselling, and education.
Children should not be housed in beggars' homes but should be referred to child welfare institutions as per the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. This is in line with India’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Health and Wellness:
Mandatory health check-ups for all individuals within 24 hours of admission to ensure well-being.
The appointment of dieticians to monitor the nutritional levels in food provided to beggars in these homes.
Infrastructure and Maintenance:
Regular independent third-party audits of the infrastructure every two years to ensure maintenance and quality.
Strict occupancy limits should be enforced to prevent overcrowding, ensuring that the living conditions remain humane.
Vocational training should be provided to help individuals reintegrate into society and become self-sufficient.
India's legal framework on begging is complex and operates on both central and state levels:
Constitutional Provisions:
The Constitution provides the Union and State governments the power to legislate on matters related to vagrancy (which includes begging) under the Concurrent List (List III, Entry 15).
However, there is no central law on begging, and the Bombay Prevention of Begging Act, 1959 is followed in many states and Union Territories. The Act defines a beggar as someone soliciting alms, selling goods, or appearing destitute.
Judicial Stand:
In Harsh Mander v. Union of India (2018), the Delhi High Court held that the Bombay Act violated the right to live with dignity. The court emphasized addressing the root cause of poverty instead of criminalizing it.
In 2021, the Supreme Court rejected a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the removal of beggars from public spaces, stating that begging is a socio-economic issue rather than a criminal one.
Government Efforts:
The SMILE Scheme (Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise), launched in 2022, focuses on the rehabilitation of beggars by providing medical care, education, and skill training. The program aims to create a "beggar-free" India by 2026.
As of 2024, the SMILE initiative has helped 970 individuals, including 352 children, with rehabilitation efforts.
Economic Hardship: Widespread poverty, unemployment, and migration often force individuals into begging.
Public Health Risks: Begging hotspots lack sanitation, contributing to the spread of diseases.
Social and Cultural Factors: The caste system and hereditary occupations in some communities perpetuate begging across generations.
Crime and Exploitation: Organized begging rings often exploit beggars, including trafficking children for forced begging.
Disabilities: Disabled individuals resort to begging due to a lack of rehabilitation and healthcare.
Natural Disasters: Displacement due to floods, droughts, and earthquakes exacerbate poverty and lead to increased begging.
Public Health Burden: Begging sites become breeding grounds for disease due to inadequate sanitation.
Human Rights Violations: Beggars are often arrested under anti-begging laws, violating their fundamental rights.
Economic Burden: Malnourished beggars place strain on public services like healthcare, leading to increased public expenditure.
Strengthening Rehabilitation:
Provide comprehensive shelters, skill development programs, and integration with welfare schemes like MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) and PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana).
Focus on community-based rehabilitation to reintegrate beggars into society and ensure long-term solutions.
Dismantling Begging Cartels:
Strict enforcement of anti-trafficking laws to dismantle organized begging syndicates under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
Ensure better coordination between police, NGOs, and child welfare organizations to combat exploitation.
Healthcare and Sanitation:
Improve access to healthcare for beggars through mobile clinics and ensure their inclusion in public health schemes.
Improve sanitation at shelters and beggars’ homes to reduce the risk of disease.
Social Awareness and Integration:
Launch awareness campaigns to reduce the stigma around begging and promote civil society participation in rehabilitation efforts.
Encourage societal integration to provide dignity and respect to beggars and enable their reintegration into mainstream society.
The Supreme Court's judgment in M.S. Patter v. State of NCT of Delhi has set an important precedent by framing the state-run beggars' homes as constitutional trusts that must uphold the dignity of the people in them. This reinforces that poverty should never be criminalized, and beggars should not be treated as mere objects of charity. The state's affirmative duty to ensure the well-being and dignity of its marginalized citizens is now constitutionally mandated.
The directive principles and the legal framework outlined by the SC, along with government efforts like the SMILE Scheme, form the bedrock for a holistic approach to eradicating begging in India, with an emphasis on rehabilitation, human dignity, and social justice
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We provide offline, online and recorded lectures in the same amount.
Every aspirant is unique and the mentoring is customised according to the strengths and weaknesses of the aspirant.
In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
We provide you the best and Comprehensive content which comes directly or indirectly in UPSC Exam.
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