Know what is the status of Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0
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Context
India is currently grappling with a significant waste management crisis, where there are more than 3,000 legacy waste dumpsites. Of these, 2,424 sites have more than 1,000 tonnes of waste, posing serious environmental and public health concerns.
Background
To tackle this problem, the central government launched the Legacy Waste Management Project in October 2021 under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) 2.0.
The initiative is designed to run for five years, ending in 2026. However, after more than half the period has passed, only 19.43% of the targeted dumpsites have been fully remediated.
Why in News?
The urgent need to remediate these legacy waste sites has been highlighted due to their harmful impact on the urban environment and public health.
As cities continue to expand, many dumpsites that were once located on the outskirts are now located in urban areas, further aggravating the problem.
Swachh Bharat Mission: Aim for a Garbage-Free India
The Swachh Bharat Mission, launched in 2014, aims to eliminate open defecation and promote sanitation across India. In 2021, the government launched SBM-U 2.0 with a vision to create "garbage-free cities" by 2026.
The initiative emphasizes waste segregation, door-to-door collection, and scientific management, as well as reclamation of old dumpsites and converting them into green areas.
What are legacy waste dumpsites?
Legendary waste dumpsites are areas where solid waste has been collected and stored in an uncontrolled and unscientific manner for years.
India generates about 1,50,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste every day, with the lack of proper waste management facilities leading local authorities to create large, uncontrolled garbage mountains.
Health Hazards from Chronic Waste
These dumpsites present serious health risks. Emissions from hazardous waste can irritate the respiratory tract, while exposure to methane can cause nausea and other illnesses.
Waste Pickers working at these sites often develop skin allergies, and nearby residents are at increased risk for diseases such as tuberculosis, asthma, and other health problems.
Additionally, these sites contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, including methane and carbon dioxide.
Progress and Financial Aid
As of September 24, 2024, only 471 of the 2,424 dump sites have been fully remediated. Currently, remediation efforts are underway at 1,226 sites, while 727 are still untouched.
The central government has allocated ₹3,226 crore for the remediation, with state governments to match these funds to support local urban bodies.
Leading States in Dumpsite Reclamation
Tamil Nadu has emerged as a leader in reclaiming dumpsite areas, having restored 837 acres (42%) of its legacy waste.
Gujarat has distinguished itself with the remarkable achievement of reclaiming 75% of its landfills (698 out of 938 acres), reflecting the potential of effective waste management practices.
Conclusion
The legacy waste crisis in India presents significant challenges that require urgent attention. The ongoing efforts of the Swachh Bharat Mission highlight the government’s commitment to improving waste management and public health.
Way Forward
To effectively tackle the issue of legacy waste, a multi-pronged approach is necessary. This includes raising public awareness about waste segregation, increasing investment in waste management infrastructure, and promoting collaboration between the central and state governments.
Continuous monitoring and accountability will be critical in ensuring that the goals of SBM 2.0 are met by 2026, ultimately leading to a clean and healthy environment for all citizens.
Marital relations should be kept free from rape provisions
Context
The Central government has recently addressed the Supreme Court regarding the controversial issue of non-consensual sexual acts within marriage, arguing against classifying such acts as rape.
This statement is part of the ongoing legal debate on the definition of marital consent and the implications of labelling a husband’s actions as rape.
Background
The Indian Penal Code (IPC) currently contains Exception 2 of Section 375, which excludes non-consensual sex by a husband with his wife from the definition of rape – if she is above the age of 15.
This legal framework has been criticized and public interest litigations have been filed with the aim of challenging its validity, arguing that it undermines women’s rights and consent.
Why in the News?
The government's recent arguments in the Supreme Court are significant as they respond to a number of PILs seeking to amend existing laws regarding marital rape.
The case has attracted widespread attention, highlighting the social and legal implications of defining consent within marriage.
The distinct nature of marital relationships
In its defence, the government asserted that the dynamics of marital relationships are unique and should be treated differently from other male-female relationships.
It emphasized that the bond formed through marriage carries distinct expectations and responsibilities that differentiate it from other relationships.
Response to PILs
The government's position came in response to a number of petitions challenging existing legal provisions relating to marital rape. The court's deliberations focused on the implications of these laws and their impact on the rights and protections of women within marriage.
Expectations within marriage
The government argued that within the institution of marriage, there exists an inherent expectation of reasonable sexual access between spouses.
While admitting that it does not permit coercion, the government said it provides a rationale for distinguishing between non-consensual acts within marriage and outside it.
Arguments against penal provisions
Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta, representing the government, claimed that it is appropriate to exempt marriage from the harsh penalties attached to the rape provisions of the IPC. He argued that applying such stringent measures to marital relations could be seen as excessively harsh and disproportionate.
Balancing consent and legal protections
While the government acknowledged that a husband cannot violate his wife's consent, it also pointed out that existing legal provisions adequately protect women's rights within marriage.
The government affirmed that any infringement on a woman's consent should have legal consequences, but stressed that marriage does not eliminate the need for consent.
Conclusion
The government’s stance on non-consensual sexual acts within marriage highlights the complex interrelationship between traditional values, legal frameworks, and women’s rights. This ongoing legal discourse is crucial to determining the future of marital consent laws in India.
Way Forward
As the Supreme Court continues to deliberate on these petitions, a balanced approach is essential that respects the sanctity of marriage while protecting individual rights and consent.
Future legal reforms must consider the evolution of social norms and the imperative of protecting women’s rights within the institution of marriage.
All agriculture sector initiatives brought under 2 new schemes; states to implement them
Context
In a significant restructuring of India's agriculture sector, the Union Cabinet has decided to consolidate several central schemes into 2 main programmes, to streamline operations, avoid duplication and provide greater autonomy to states.
Background
India has several agriculture schemes addressing various aspects of farming, food security and sustainability. These scattered initiatives sometimes lead to inefficiency.
To simplify and enhance the effectiveness of government interventions, the Centre has merged them into two major schemes: Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) and Krishonnati Yojana (KYC).
Why in the news?
The Union Cabinet's decision to rationalize these schemes is expected to promote sustainable agriculture, boost food security and better tackle challenges such as climate resilience and value chain development.
Additionally, the approval of the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds) is seen as a significant step towards self-sufficiency in edible oil production.
Details of PM-RKVY and Krishonti Yojana
PM-RKVY has been allocated ₹57,074.72 crore and will focus on promoting sustainable agriculture. Meanwhile, Krishonti Yojana with a fund of ₹44,246.89 crore is designed to address food security and agricultural self-sufficiency.
Both the schemes will be implemented through the state governments, giving them the flexibility to customize the programmes as per local requirements.
Objective behind rationalization
The main reason for consolidating these schemes is to avoid duplication, ensure convergence of efforts, and provide more flexibility to the states. By combining various initiatives, the Centre hopes to create a more efficient and focused approach to agricultural development.
Focus on emerging agricultural challenges
Both schemes are designed to address critical challenges in the agriculture sector, including nutritional security, sustainability, climate resilience and value chain development.
Private sector participation will also be encouraged under these initiatives, providing additional support to India's agricultural infrastructure.
Flexibility to benefit state governments
State governments will now have greater autonomy in planning and executing agricultural programmes. Annual Action Plans (AAPs) can be approved collectively, providing a streamlined process compared to the earlier plan-by-plan approval process.
Integration of existing schemes
Programmes such as Soil Health Management, Rainfed Area Development, Agroforestry and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana will be integrated into PM-RKVY and Krishonnati Yojana, ensuring a more coherent approach to agricultural development.
National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds) approved
The Cabinet also approved the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds), which aims to boost domestic oilseeds production and reduce dependence on imports.
Goals and Focus Areas of NMEO-Oilseeds
With a financial outlay of ₹10,103 crore, NMEO-Oilseeds will be implemented over seven years (2024-25 to 2030-31). The mission aims to increase the production of major oilseed crops such as rapeseed-mustard, groundnut, soybean, sunflower and sesame.
Additionally, it aims to improve collection and extraction processes from secondary sources such as cottonseed, rice bran and tree-borne oils. It aims to increase oilseeds production from 39 million tonnes in 2022-23 to 69.7 million tonnes by 2030-31.
Conclusion
These decisions taken by the Union Cabinet are a significant step towards modernizing India’s agriculture sector.
By combining schemes and addressing critical challenges such as climate change, food security and private sector participation, the government aims to create a more sustainable and efficient agriculture infrastructure.
Way Forward
To ensure the success of these initiatives, it will be important for state governments to develop comprehensive strategies and ensure that resources are used efficiently.
Collaboration with the private sector, as well as regular monitoring and evaluation, will be critical to achieving the ambitious targets set under these schemes.
