Context

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has commissioned quality checks on the spice mixes of 2 leading spice brands in India.

FSSAI Investigates Ethylene Oxide in Spice Mixes Amid International Recalls

• FSSAI actions  follows complaints of traces of ethylene oxide more than the permissible levels in several popular spice mixes of the two leading brands.

• Hong Kong and Singapore have also recalled some  variants as their respective Food Regulators  found the presence of  a pesticide named ethylene oxide in their spice mix.
  • Centre for Food Safety (CFS) Hong Kong has recalled 4 variants namely,  MDH Madras Curry Powder, Curry Powder Mixed Masala Powder, Sambhar Masala Mixed Masala Powder and Everest Fish Curry Masala.
• FSSAI, in its quality checks, will also assess whether the products sold by the concerned brands match the Indian standards of chemical residue as prescribed by the law.
• In 2023, US Food & Drug Administration recalled Everest Sambhar Masala and Garam Masala as samples tested positive for Salmonella.

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Ethylene Oxide 

• It is a flammable colorless gas with a sweet odor.
• Use:  
  • It is primarily used to produce other chemicals like antifreeze, detergents and pesticides.
  • As a sterilizing agent: It is used to sterilize medical equipment and cosmetics by destroying the DNA of bacteria and viruses.
  • Pesticide:  It can be used to fumigate agricultural products to prevent microbial contamination.
• Source of Exposure: Humans can be exposed to Ethylene oxide via  inhalation and ingestion, which may occur through occupational (uncontrolled industrial emissions), consumer (consumption of  products that have been sterilized with ethylene oxide) and environmental (generated from water-logged soil, manure, and sewage sludge) exposure.
• Carcinogenic Agent: 
  • WHO’s The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified ethylene oxide as a Group 1 carcinogen.
  • Short-term exposure: It can affect the human central nervous system, and cause depression and irritation of the eyes and mucous membranes
  • Long term exposure: It  can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs, and damage the brain and nervous system.

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Context

The Supreme Court has allowed a 14-year-old victim of sexual assault to terminate her almost 30-week pregnancy. 

• The judgment termed the case as a very very exceptional case where the girl (barely 14 years old) has to be protected, while allowing abortion of her 30 week foetus.

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Abortion Law in India

• The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 (MTP Act): It allows the termination of pregnancy under the following circumstances,
  • Upto 20 weeks: Regular Termination of Pregnancy is allowed on the advice of one doctor.
  • Between 20-24 weeks: Abortion is allowed but as an exception only under certain categories, after two registered medical practitioners have evaluated the right to seek termination.
    • Section 3B of the Rules under the MTP Act: It lists seven categories of forced pregnancies,
      • Survivors of sexual assault or rape or incest; Minors; Change of marital status during the ongoing pregnancy (widowhood and divorce); Women with physical disabilities ; Mentally ill women including mental retardation; The foetal malformation; Women with pregnancy in humanitarian settings or disaster or emergency situations.
  • After 24 weeks: A medical board needs to be set up in approved facilities, which will take the decision to allow or deny termination but only if there is substantial fetal abnormality.

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Context

The Karnataka High Court has affirmed the state government’s decision to ban hookahs.

• According to the court, The ban is beneficial for the public interest. 
• The court has now declared hookah bars as an illegal “service” under India’s anti-tobacco law.

Reasons for Upholding Karnataka’s Ban on Hookah by Karnataka High Court

• Maintain Public Health: Article 47 of the Constitution puts a duty on the state to improve public health. Therefore, the state  has taken such measures to improve public health. 

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• • Article 47 is part of the directive principles of state policy, which are fundamental principles guiding governance.
  • While these principles are not enforceable by courts, it’s the State’s duty to apply them in making laws.
  • Since hookah smoking is injurious to health therefore, it  falls under the government’s power to prohibit such substances. 
    • They linked this to the right to life with dignity under Article 21.
  • Objective: By banning hookahs, the state aimed to safeguard public health, prevent addiction, and reduce health risks associated with tobacco use.
• Hookah as a Service: Rule 4(3) of COTPA, amended in 2017,  prohibits any service in smoking area. 
• • Hookah smoking v/s smoking a cigarette.
    • It noted that smoking zones only provide a space for smoking.
    • However, hookah smoking requires staff to set up the table to render services in the specific area. 
  • Preparation of  hookah involves a service, similar to serving food or drinks as it requires an external human hand to place all the apparatus on the tables like food or alcohol would be served on those tables”.
  • Therefore, the ban on hookah bars aligns with existing rules against providing services in smoking areas.
  • This ruling applies to herbal hookah as well, as it also requires equipment and qualifies as a service under the rules.

• Legislative Intent: The focus on prohibiting “services” related to smoking is an attempt to discourage all forms of tobacco use, including hookah.
• Balance Between Individual Freedoms and Restrictions: The government tries to balance by imposing restrictions on harmful substances. 
  • • Article 19(1)(g) guarantees the freedom to carry on any occupation, trade, or business. 
    • However, this freedom is not absolute and can be subject to reasonable restrictions in the interest of public health.
  • In this case, the ban on hookahs serves the greater good by curbing harmful practices.

About Illegal ‘Service’ Under Tobacco Law COTPA

• Section 31 of The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) allows the government to create rules for its enforcement.
• In 2008, rules were introduced to prohibit smoking in public places.

Impact of Karnataka’s Ban on Hookah by Karnataka High Court

• Reduced Hookah Use: The ban could lead to a decrease in hookah smoking in Karnataka, potentially improving public health outcomes associated with tobacco use.
• Loss of Revenue: Businesses profiting from hookah sales, like restaurants and bars, might face financial losses.
• Black Market: A black market for hookah equipment and supplies could emerge to meet the demand.
• Increased Enforcement Costs: The government might need to allocate resources for enforcing the ban effectively.

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Context

According to a study published in the journal Science, a quarter of the coastal land of China will sink below sea level within a century, putting hundreds of millions of people at risk of being flooded, due to land subsidence and climate change.

Sea Level Rise and Land Subsidence Amid Climate Change

• Global Impact of Sea Level Rise: According to a UN report, sea level rise is a global issue projected to affect millions of people depending on different temperature scenarios in the long run.
  • Sea level rise is an increase in the level of the world’s oceans.
• Reasons Behind Land Subsidence: Subsidence in China is primarily a result of rapid urbanisation activities such as excessive groundwater extraction and the weight of buildings leading to subsidence.
  • The situation has been exacerbated by climate change, which is resulting in the rise of sea levels.

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Status of Global Sea Level Rise (SLR)

• According to a report by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the global sea level has risen by about 8–9 inches or 21–24 centimetres since 1880 and the rate of increase has been accelerating since 1993.
  • It has more than doubled from 0.07 inches or 0.18 centimetres per year in 1993 to the current rate of 0.17 inches or 0.42 centimetres per year.
  • The global average sea level rose by about 0.3 inches or 0.76 centimetres from 2022 to 2023. 
• Projections for 2050: At current rates of acceleration, projections indicate that there will be an additional 20 centimeters of global mean sea level rise by 2050. 
  • This would mark a doubling of the rate of change within the next three decades amplifying the frequency and severity of floods worldwide.
• Status in India: According to the Ministry of earth sciences, the sea level along India is rising at an average rate of about 1.7 mm per year with 3.3 mm per year in the recent decades (1993-2015).

Impact of Climate Change on Sea Level Rise

• Global Warming as Key Driver: Global warming stands as the primary catalyst for the rising of sea levels. 
  • As temperatures rise worldwide, many glaciers and ice sheets are thawing, increasing oceanic water levels. 
  • Global warming is elevating ocean temperatures, inducing thermal expansion, wherein warmer water expands in volume, thereby exacerbating the rise in sea levels.
• Increased Melting of Mountain Glaciers and Ice sheets: According to the NOAA report, from the 1970s until recent years, both melting and thermal expansion have been equally responsible for the observed increase in sea levels. 
  • However, there has been a notable acceleration in the melting of mountain glaciers and ice sheets. 
  • For example, a study in 2023 revealed that the rate of glacier melting in Greenland had surged to five times its pace over the past two decades.
  • According to the NOAA report,  the amount of SLR due to melting between 2005 and 2012 nearly doubled in comparison to the amount of SLR due to thermal expansion.

Impact of Sea Level Rise

• Flooding of coastal areas: As per a 2022 analysis by RMSI, a global risk management firm, some critical properties and road networks in Mumbai, Kochi, Mangalore, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, and Thiruvananthapuram will be submerged by 2050. 
  • The island countries are more risk-prone like Indonesia. In 2019, Indonesia announced that the country’s capital would be relocated from Jakarta, which is prone to flooding, to the province of East Kalimantan on the island of Borneo.
• Storm surges: The rise of sea level leads to more intense storm surges i.e.,  the rise in seawater level caused solely by a storm — flooding, and damage to coastal areas. 
• This is because higher sea level can allow more water inland during hurricane-related storm surges.
• Impact on Freshwater Aquifers: With SLR, saltwater contaminates freshwater aquifers, many of which are used by communities for agricultural and drinking purposes.

Coastal Adaptation Strategies to Tackle Sea Level Rise

• Protection Strategy:
  • Hard protection: It proposes hard structures to block the inflow of sea water, and protects facilities and critical infrastructure that would be difficult to move or relocate. 
    • Ex- Dikes or levees is the most common coastal defense strategy.
  • Soft protection: It involves the use of natural sedimentation and vegetation to form a buffer zone. 
    • It is relatively low-cost and eco-friendly, and can be provided by natural processes that can be accelerated through minimal human effort, such as wetland restoration or planning waterfront parks.
    • New coastal wetlands act like sponges, reducing water flow during flood events.
• Accommodation Strategy: It reduces the impact of SLR through changes in human behavior or infrastructure while maintaining existing uses of coastal areas. 
  • For example, it might involve modifying existing infrastructure for adaptive land uses, raising the ground level or improving drainage facilities, encouraging saltresistant crops, restoring sand beaches, and improving flood warning systems.
• Retreat Strategy: It mitigates the risk of SLR by relocating developments further from the coastline. 
  • It discourages development in high-risk coastal areas and encourages development at low-risk inland areas that are usually at higher elevation. 

India’s Efforts to Tackle Sea Level Rise

• National Action Plan on Climate Change: It was launched in 2008 and includes 8 national missions to address the challenges of climate change.
• Coastal Regulation Zone:  It involves managing coastal areas to balance environmental, economic, human health, and human activities.  CRZ along the country has been placed in four categories, which are as follows:
• CRZ I – Ecologically Sensitive Areas. 
  • Location: They lie between the low and high tide lines. In this area, exploration of natural gas and salt extraction are permitted.
• CRZ II  – Shore Line Areas
  • Location: The areas that have been developed up to or close to the shoreline. Unauthorized structures are not allowed to be constructed in this zone.

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• CRZ III – Undisturbed Area
  • Location: Rural and Urban localities that fall outside I and II.
  • Only certain activities related to agriculture even some public facilities are allowed in this zone.
  • For CRZ-III (Rural) areas, two separate categories have now been created for improved management: 
    • CRZ-III A: Rural Areas that are densely populated with a  population density of 2161/km2. They will have an NDZ of 50 meters from HTL. Earlier it was 200m from HTL according to the CRZ Notification of 2011.
    • CRZ-III B: Rural Areas that are densely populated with a population density of 2161/km2. They will have an NDZ of 200m from HTL.
• CRZ IV – Territorial Area
  Location: An area covered between the Low Tide Line and 12 Nautical Miles seaward. Fishing and allied activities are permitted in this zone. No solid waste should be discharged in this zone.

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Context

Civil society organizations are encouraging the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to step up and lead efforts in tackling plastic pollution.

The call for action has come ahead of the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4).

Fourth Session (INC-4)

• The INC-4 negotiations are scheduled in Ottawa, Canada. 
  • The goal of INC-4 is to create a global agreement to tackle plastic pollution, including its impact on oceans. 

About The Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) 

• Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) is a global alliance of grassroots organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and individuals.

• Objective: To move away from our current “use and discard” approach to resources towards a circular system where resources are reused. 
  • This supports people’s right to a safe and healthy environment.
• This alliance works together and understands that our planet’s finite resources, weak biosphere, and the health of people and other living beings are threatened.
  • Primary areas of intervention: incineration, zero waste, plastic, and climate.
  • This threat arises from practices such as polluting and inefficient production methods and harmful ways of disposing of waste.

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Key Challenges in Tackling Plastic Pollution

• Global Plastic Production and Consumption:
  • The vast amount of plastic produced and used worldwide has worsened the problem.
  • Plastic is deeply integrated into daily life, from packaging to single-use items, making reducing consumption difficult.
  • According to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), if the world doesn’t cut plastic production by 12-17% per year, achieving the Paris Climate goals would not be possible. 
• Inadequate Waste Management Infrastructure:
  • Many regions lack efficient waste management systems.
  • Improper disposal causes plastic waste to accumulate in landfills, waterways, and oceans.
  • Therefore, There is a need to develop a robust infrastructure for waste collection, recycling, and disposal is crucial.
• Marine Pollution and Ecological Impact:
  • Plastic debris harms marine ecosystems, endangering marine life.
  • It also causes animals to ingest or become entangled in plastic, leading to injury, suffocation, and death.
• Microplastics and nanoplastics:
  • Tiny plastic particles are known as microplastics and nanoplastics.  
  • These particles are difficult to detect and remove from permeate water bodies which it poses significant risks to the environment.

Impact of The Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) Action to Reduce Pollution

• Raising awareness: GAIA, along with other CSOs, is pressuring ASEAN to take a leadership role in tackling plastic pollution through a global treaty. 
  • This step can bring significant attention to the issue.
• Shifting policy focus: GAIA advocates for a treaty with legally binding obligations on plastic production and consumption reduction. 
  • This could lead to stricter regulations and a move away from a throwaway plastic culture.
• Promoting a holistic approach: GAIA emphasizes addressing the entire plastic lifecycle, from design and production to waste management and recycling. 
  • This pushes for a more comprehensive solution than just focusing on waste disposal.
• Phasing out single-use plastics: GAIA calls for a commitment to phasing out single-use plastics, a major source of pollution, which could significantly reduce plastic waste generation.
• Highlighting environmental injustice: GAIA emphasizes the disproportionate burden of plastic pollution on Southeast Asia and urges action against dumping practices by developed nations. 
  • This step promotes environmental justice and holds all parties accountable.

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Context

Recently, Sunita Kejriwal, wife of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, was appointed as a ‘star campaigner’ by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for its campaign in Gujarat.

About Star Campaigners

• A star campaigner is a famous person with a huge fan following chosen by a political party to contest or campaign during elections. The star campaigner can be anyone – a political heavyweight, a film star, a well-known celebrity, or even a sportsperson.
• They are nominated by the concerned political parties specifying their constituencies and duration of the status.
• There is no law governing who can or cannot be made a star campaigner.
  • The only requirement is that these persons have to be members of the political party that appoints them.

How Many Star Campaigners Can Be There?

Section 77 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RP Act) provides that 

• A Recognised political party (national or State) can appoint a maximum of 40 star campaigners
• A Registered unrecognized political party can appoint up to 20. 
  • These names are to be communicated to the Election Commission (EC) and Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the States as applicable within seven days from the date of notification of such election. 
  • In case of a multi-phase election, a political party can submit a separate list of star campaigners for different phases.

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Benefits on Expenditure incurred by ‘leaders of a political party’/Star Campaigners & a Candidate

• According to The RP Act 1951, The Election Commission has fixed ₹95 lakh expenses limit for candidates of bigger Lok Sabha constituencies and up to ₹75 lakh for candidates of smaller constituencies. 
• Political parties cover all costs of star campaigners But the star campaigner’s expenses are not deducted from the candidate’s expenditure. 
  • It allows the candidates extra spending opportunity beyond the poll panel’s ₹75 – ₹95 Lakh limit for Lok Sabha polls.
  • Star campaigners would be vote-fetchers for candidates set up by respective parties without affecting their expenditure limit.
  • In case, the star campaigner shares the stage with the candidate or even takes the name of the candidate in his speech, his/her charges will have to be borne by the candidate from his expenses.
  • Expenditure On Travel : Expenditure incurred by the ‘leaders of a political party’ on account of travel by air or any other means of transport for campaigning for their political party shall not be deemed to be part of the election expenditure of a candidate of such party.
    • However, if any candidate(s) travel with the star campaigner, then 50% of the travel expenditure of the star campaigner shall also be apportioned to such candidate(s).
  • PM or Former PM  as a Star Campaigners: When a Prime Minister or a former Prime Minister is a star campaigner, the expenditure on security including on bullet-proof vehicles will be borne by the government. 
    • But if the Prime Minister is accompanied by another star campaigner, the candidate has to bear 50 per cent of expenditure on the security arrangements.

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Context

Recently, Chipko Movement marked the Completion of its 50 Years of Landmark Environmental Conservation movement .

About Chipko Movement

It is a non violent Environment Conservation Movement. The term Chipko refers to the act of hugging trees. 

• On April 24, 1973, the Gandhian social worker Chandi Prasad Bhatt rallied the women of Mandal in the Garhwal division of what was still part of Uttar Pradesh (now Uttarakhand) to stop Symonds (a company manufacturing sports products) from cutting down trees. 
  • Locals and especially women hugged the trees when approached by loggers to prevent them from being cut.
  • By hugging the trees they sent a clear message- “We, our nature and us, are one”. 
  • The women embraced the trees and The action started what has become famous as the Chipko movement.
• Other Prominent Leaders of Chipko Movement in Uttarakhand: Sundar Lal Bahuguna, Gaura Devi, Ukha Devi, Jutti Devi, Bala Devi etc
• This movement, which began in the early 1970s, has since become a symbol of grassroots activism and has inspired similar movements around the country as well as the world. 

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Causes for Movement 

• During the 1970s, rampant deforestation in Uttarakhand led to severe flooding, causing over 200 deaths & the degradation of natural resources.
• The devastating consequences of large-scale logging, including soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and adverse effects on local livelihoods, prompted the villagers to rise against the exploitation of their cherished natural heritage.

Key figures and leaders of the Chipko Movement

• Chandi Prasad Bhatt: Chandi Prasad Bhatt (a Gandhian social activist and environmentalist) founded an organization called Dasholi Gram Swarajya Mandal (DGSM) 
  • He was instrumental in organizing local communities, particularly women, to participate in the movement. 
  • Bhatt played a crucial role in spreading the message of nonviolent resistance and encouraging people to take a stand against deforestation.
• Sunderlal Bahuguna: Sunderlal Bahuguna is often considered the main leader and spokesperson of the Chipko Movement. 
  • He was an environmental activist inspired by Gandhian philosophy, championing forest conservation and sustainable development.
  • He raised awareness about protecting the environment with the motto “Ecology is the permanent Economy.”
• Gaura Devi:  In the peaceful protest of Chipko Movement, she and other women from Reni Village hugged trees, halting loggers & made history by inspiring others across India.

Philosophy and Impact of the Chipko Movement 

• Roots in Gandhian Philosophy: 
  • The Chipko Movement was deeply influenced by Gandhian principles of non-violence and living in harmony with nature. 
  • It exemplified the synergy between humans and nature observed in Indian villages. 
• Empowerment of Local Communities: 
  • The movement aimed to empower local communities and ensure their participation in decision-making regarding natural resources. 
  • It challenged exploitative practices by outside contractors and advocated for inclusive forest management. 
• Impact and Influence: 
  • The Chipko Movement inspired similar movements across India and internationally, such as the Narmada Bachao Andolan and the Silent Valley Movement. 
  • It led to policy changes in India, including stricter regulations against illegal deforestation and recognition of indigenous rights. 
• Role of Indigenous Community:
  • The movement showcased the power of non-violent, community-based activism and highlighted the role of indigenous peoples in sustainable development. 
•  Ecofeminism: 
  • Women played a significant role in the preservation of nature, leading to the rise of eco-feminists like Vandana Shiva.

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Relevance of the Chipko Movement in Present Time

• Global Adoption strategy: Principles of nonviolent resistance and community participation from the Chipko Movement have been adopted by environmental activists globally. 
  • Its principles of sustainability, community participation, and nonviolent resistance are crucial in combating climate change and protecting ecosystems. 
• Grass Roots Planning & Forest Management: Reflection on the movement’s achievements serves as a guide for grassroots-level actions and inclusive planning processes.
• In 2024, the Chipko Movement remains an inspiration for collective action in addressing environmental challenges.

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Context

According to a report released by Swiss NGO, the Public Eye and International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN), Nestle’s baby food products sold in India, African and Latin American countries, have higher sugar content, in comparison to the same products sold in European markets.

• Around 150 baby products manufactured by the global food and beverage company, Nestle, sold in different countries were tested in a Belgian laboratory. 

Report Reveals High Added Sugar Levels in Baby Foods Across India and Southeast Asia

It was found that all 15 Cerelac products for six-month-old babies, which are sold without any added sugars in the United Kingdom and Germany, contained 2.7 grams of added sugar per serving in India.

• Products sold in Ethiopia and Thailand contained nearly 6 grams of added sugar.
• Among 1,600 infant cereals, snacks and ready-to-eat meals marketed at young children in Southeast Asia, nearly half of the products (44 per cent) included added sugars and sweeteners.

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Why Are Added Sugars Harmful?

• Naturally Occurring Sugar: Sugar is a simple naturally occurring carbohydrate found in milk (lactose) and fruit (fructose). Any product that contains milk (such as yogurt, milk or cream) or fruit (fresh, dried) contains some natural sugars.
• Free Sugar: Free sugar or added sugar is added separately to a food item during preparation or processing and includes natural sugars such as white sugar, brown sugar and honey, as well as chemically manufactured sweeteners such as high fructose corn syrup.

Risks Due to Added Sugar Intake

• Overweight and Obesity: High consumption of sugar significantly contributes to excess body weight and obesity. It also leads to risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
• Dental Health: High sugar intake is closely linked to dental problems, including cavities. Sugars in food and beverages participate in the tooth decay process by feeding plaque bacteria, which produce acids that erode tooth enamel.
• Chronic Diseases: Consuming too much sugar can increase the risk of developing chronic diseases such as metabolic issues, heart risks, diabetes etc. 
  • The global burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in India has surged from 38% in 1990 to 65% in 2019, with 1.2 million deaths annually attributed to dietary risks.
• Development of Unhealthy Eating Preferences: Introducing high sugar foods to children can lead to a lifelong preference for overly sweet foods. 
• Nutritional Displacement: A diet high in sugary foods often lacks essential nutrients. When people consume too many sugary foods, they tend to consume fewer fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which provide necessary vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
• Addictive Nature: Sugar can trigger mechanisms similar to those in addiction, leading to compulsive eating behaviors and difficulty controlling the consumption of sweet foods.
• Economic Burden: The economic impact of diseases related to high sugar consumption is substantial. 
  • In India, the cost associated with overweight and obesity was estimated at $23 billion in 2017, with projections rising to $480 billion by 2060. 
  • These conditions contribute to increased healthcare expenditures and loss in productivity.

Food Regulation Standards in India

Food regulation standards are majorly governed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). It sets forth comprehensive guidelines and implements the same.

• Regulations for Sugar Content: Indian regulations governing infant nutrition standards do not specify an upper limit for added sugars. Instead, they outline requirements for various macronutrients such as proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, as well as essential micronutrients like Vitamin C, D, Iron, and zinc.
  • They also allow sucrose and fructose to be used as carbohydrate sources, provided they constitute less than 20 per cent of the total carbohydrates in the food.
• Food Additives and Contaminants: No food product may contain additives or processing aids that are not approved by the FSSAI. Similarly, food must not contain contaminants or toxic substances beyond specified limits.
  • Example: Ban on Rhodamine B, as food coloring agent.
• Pesticides and Residues: Food products must not exceed the set limits for residues such as pesticides, veterinary drugs, antibiotics, and other pharmacological substances.
  • The Insecticides Act, 1968 dictates that no insecticides are used directly on food products except for registered fumigants.
• Packaging and Labeling: Labeling must not mislead consumers regarding the food product’s characteristics, origin, or quality. The presentation and information provided must be truthful and informative.
• Advertising Standards: Advertising for food products must not be misleading or deceptive and must comply with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act and its regulations.
• Licensing and Registration: All food vendors and operators need to be registered or licensed under the Food Safety and Standards Act. 
• Use of Potable Water: Entities involved in food preparation must ensure their water sources are tested and certified for potability to guarantee that the water used for cooking is safe for consumption.

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Way Forward 

• Implementation of High Fat Sugar Salt (HFSS) taxes: There is a need to implement HFSS taxes in India to tackle health risks, emphasizing their role in encouraging healthier choices, driving industry reformulation, and reducing the economic strain on healthcare.
• Alignment with Global Standards: FSSAI needs to align its rules with the global standards such as reduced free sugar requirements in infant food,so that food companies do not discriminate between India and other developed countries.
• Public Awareness and disclosures: There is a need to spread awareness about how to infer mandatory disclosures on packed foods. This would empower them to make informed decisions about their food choices.

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Context

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj commemorates the 24th of April every year as National Panchayati Raj Day (NPRD) marking the enactment of the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992, which came into force on 24th April, 1993. 

National Colloquium on Grassroot Governance

• National Colloquium on Grassroot Governance: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) is organizing it after three Decades of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment” in observance of NPRD.
  • Aims: To facilitate dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders, including officials from Central and State Governments, etc.
• Key Topics of Discussion: Discussions will focus on the evolution of principles of Good Governance in rural areas and pathways for strengthening PRIs as vehicles for effective public service delivery.

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About Grassroot Governance in India- Panchayati Raj and Municipalities

Grassroot Governance refers to the participation of local residents in village governance. The main objective behind it  is that the people in the village should undertake the responsibilities of governing themselves.

• Participation from the local population, community, PRIs, SHGs, etc. helps in achieving the goals of sustainable development and environmental preservation. 
• India has over 2.5 lakh gram panchayats, and over 2,000 municipalities and municipal corporations
• Services like supply of potable and clean water, sanitation, and management of solid waste are the few crucial services provided by the local governments.

Evolution of Grassroot Governance in India

• Pre Independence:

  • Municipal Corporation in Madras: The setting up of a Municipal Corporation in Madras in 1687 marked the beginning of local government in India.
  • Charter Act of 1793: Under this, the local body in India acquired a statutory base and municipal administration was established in the presidency towns of Madras, Calcutta, and Bombay.
  • Lord Mayo’s Resolution of 1870: It advocated decentralisation and made arrangements for strengthening the municipal institutions and involving more and more Indians in these bodies. 
  • Lord Ripon’s Resolution of 1882: It advocated the cause of decentralization of administration through the establishment of local selfgoverning institutions. 
    • The Resolution of 1882 has been described as the Magna Carta of local government. 
  • Royal Commission on Decentralisation 1907: It recommended that the village should be regarded as the basic unit of local self-government institutions, and every village should have a panchayat and municipalities should be constituted in urban areas. 
  • Government of India Act, 1919: It introduced ‘Dyarchy’ in the provinces, and local self-government became a transferred subject.
  • The Act increased the taxation powers of the local bodies, lowered the franchise, reduced the nominated element, and extended the communal electorate to a large number of municipalities. 
  • Government of India Act, 1935:  For the first time,, the Government of India Act, 1935 introduced a federal form of Government conferred ‘Provincial Autonomy’ on the provinces and envisaged selfgovernment for the country as a whole. 

• Post Independence:

  • Balwant Rai Mehta Committee: To examine the working of the Community Development Programme (1952) and the National Extension Service (1953). It recommended:
    • Establishment of an organically linked three-tier panchayati raj system through a device of indirect elections.
  • Ashok Mehta committee 1977: It recommended a two-tier system – zilla parishad and mandal panchayat (consisting of a group of villages with a total population of 15,000 to 20,000)
    • District as first point for decentralisation under popular supervision below the state level.
  • 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992:  It constitutionalised the Panchayats and made mandatory for all the states to set up three-tier (in smaller states having less than 20 lakh population – two-tier) Panchayats:
    • Zilla Parishad at the district level
    • Panchayat Samiti at the block level
    • Gram Panchayat at the village level
  • 74th Constitutional Amendment Act:  It constitutionalised the municipal local bodies by providing them with a constitutional status and also making it mandatory for the government to constitute them. 
    • A uniform three-tier structure of urban local bodies’ viz., Municipal Corporation, Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats was to be constituted. 

Role of Panchayats in Grassroot Governance in India

• Constitutional Mandate: The Indian Constitution mandates panchayats to operate as self-governing institutions, urging state governments to rejuvenate local representative bodies.
• Implementing Development Policies at the Grassroots: Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) are crucial in translating developmental policies into action at the grassroots level. 
  • They serve as intermediaries between the government and rural communities, fostering local participation and driving sustainable development initiatives. 
• Catalysts of Local Development: Panchayats have several key responsibilities, including drafting economic development plans and schemes, advancing social justice through various initiatives, exercising tax, duties, tolls, and fees levying, collection, and appropriation.
  • It also aided in decentralising governmental functions, notably financial responsibilities, to local levels.
• Monitoring Government Schemes: Panchayat members supervise various government programmes, such as the Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP) and the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS).

Role of Panchayati Raj in India’s Socio-Economic Development

• Rural Development:  PRIs prepare Village Development Plans (VDPs) and implement development projects by allocating resources based on local needs to align development initiatives with the priorities of the rural population. 
  • Panchayats also serve as implementing agencies for various Central and State government programmes and schemes to help in the targeted delivery of these programmes at the grassroots level.
• Agricultural Development: PRIs implement and oversee initiatives that boost agricultural productivity, support sustainable farming practices, and enhance the overall economic resilience of rural areas. 
  • For instance, cooperative endeavours like Amul have originated at the Panchayat level.
• SDG Localisation: The MoPR is advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in collaboration with PRIs across rural India. 
• Providing Healthcare Facilities: Panchayats play a significant role in providing basic healthcare facilities through establishing and maintaining health centres, clinics, and dispensaries. 
  • Gram Panchayats contribute to improving maternal and child health by promoting institutional deliveries, encouraging prenatal and postnatal care, and reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.
  • From 2021-22 to 2025-26, around 0.70 lakh crore was allocated for local governments for health, with 0.44 lakh crore specified for Rural Local Bodies (RLBs).
• Education: Panchayats collaborate with schools and parents to encourage enrolment, minimise drop-out rates, and actively monitor school operations, teacher attendance, and educational quality.
  • Between 2018 and 2022, the enrolment of children aged 6-14 years in government schools in rural areas increased in all States, with Odisha, Gujarat and West Bengal recording more than 90 per cent of enrolment in government schools.
• Women Empowerment: There is a positive and significant correlation between increased women’s participation and improved outcomes in local governance. 
  • For instance, E. Duflo and R. Chattopadhyay, in a study involving the working of PRIs in West Bengal and Rajasthan observed that women’s representation has had a net positive impact on the delivery of local public goods to marginalised communities. 
  • Article 243D of the Constitution guarantees women’s involvement in PRIs by stipulating a minimum one-third reservation for women in both the total seats filled by direct election and the positions of Panchayat Chairpersons.

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Challenges Faced by Grassroot Governance in India

• Functions: The power to devolve functions to local governments rests with the state government. However, the states have not devolve adequate functions to local government bodies, severely affecting the system’s efficiency and effectiveness. 
  • Creation of Parastatal Bodies: State governments created parallel structures for the implementation of projects around agriculture, health, and education—undermining areas for which local bodies are constitutionally responsible.
  • Non-functionality of District Planning Committees (DPC): The 74th amendment requires a DPC to be set up in each district, so that the development plans prepared by the panchayats and urban local bodies can be consolidated and integrated.
  • However, DPC are non-functional in nine states, and failed to prepare integrated plans in 15 states.
• Finances: Most local bodies, both rural and urban are unable to generate adequate funds from their internal sources, and are therefore extremely dependent on external sources for funding. 
  • Around 80 percent to 95 percent of revenue is obtained from external sources, particularly state and central government loans and grants.
  • Reasons for low internal revenue collection:
    • Local bodies lack the capacity to properly impose taxes, due to ambiguous taxation norms, lack of reliable records, and so on.
    • State governments have not devolved enough taxation powers. Most states only permit local bodies to collect property taxes and water tariffs, but not land tax or tolls, which can provide more substantial revenues.
• Functionaries: According to the Standing Committee on Rural Development, there is a severe lack of support staff and personnel in panchayats.This affects their functioning and delivery of services by them.  
  • Poor Infrastructure: Around 25 percent of the Gram Panchayats do not have basic office buildings. The database for planning, monitoring etc., are lacking in most of the cases.
  • Structural deficiencies: No secretarial support and lower levels of technical knowledge which restricted the aggregation of bottom up planning.
  • Presence of Panch-Pati and Proxy representation in case of women and SC/STs representatives respectively. (At 1.4 million, India has the most women in elected positions).
• Impact of Seat Rotation on Female Political Careers: Women representatives have identified the policy of rotation of reserved seats every five years as a barrier to the continuation of their political careers. 
  • With the rotation of seats, female candidates are not able to gain from their experience from one term to the next, and they end up returning to their roles at home after a single term in office. 
• Concern pertaining to SFC (State Finance Commission):
  • Delay in Constituting SFC: Out of 26 states, only nine states have constituted 6th State Finance Commissions, and out of them, only two are active. Some states have not even constituted 4th and 5th Finance Commissions.
    • This leads to the local self-governments being deprived of their legitimate share from the Consolidated Fund of the State. 
  • Non-Availability of Data: The non-availability of data related to local government hampers the workings of SFCs.
    • Every time an SFC is constituted, it has to start from scratch to collect data.
  • Lack of expertise of SFC:  The majority of the members and chairpersons of the SFCs are bureaucrats and politicians. 
    • This puts limitations on the ability of the SFC to act as an autonomous body to make recommendations in a free and independent manner.

Government Initiatives to Strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)

• e-Gram Swaraj e-Financial Management System: It is a Simplified Work Based Accounting Application for PRI that assists in enhancing the credibility of Panchayat through inducing greater devolution of funds to PRIs. 
• Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) Scheme: It integrates various interventions within the MoPR and across sectors, employing participatory local planning at the Gram Panchayat level. 
• Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana: It envisions the holistic development of villages, transforming them into Adarsh Grams. 
• Panchayat Development Index (PDI): To measure the progress on LSDGs and to carry out assessment to prepare evidence-based policy, MoPR constituted a Committee to prepare mechanisms for computation of PDI. 
• Gram Urja Swaraj Abhiyaan: MoPR has collaborated with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to include the Gram Panchayats under all its schemes focusing on adoption of renewable energy. 
• International Centre for Audit of Local Governance (iCAL): CAG has established it as a centre of excellence for capacity building of local government auditors at the national and the international levels.

Way Forward to Grassroot Governance in India

• Devolving 3Fs:  State governments should make adequate efforts to devolve funds, functions, and functionaries to panchayats for them to effectively plan economic development and social justice schemes.
  • The Standing Committee on Rural Development recommended that states devolve subjects like fuel and fodder, non-conventional energy sources, small scale industries including food processing industries, technical training, etc. to panchayats. 
  • Timely Establishment of State FC: Prompt establishment of SFCs, avoiding the sizable delays that occur currently, assumes importance.
  • SFCs can strengthen the financial position of PRIs and help them in better delivery of their responsibilities for upliftment of the rural economy.
• Following Principle of Subsidiarity: It means that higher levels of government should perform only those functions that cannot be effectively performed at the local level. 
  • Thus, the basic services must be provided to the citizens by the PRIs.
• Local Revenue Generation: PRIs can improve local revenue generation and use their limited resources more efficiently and effectively through measures such as transparent budgeting and fiscal discipline, active involvement of the local community etc.
  • According to National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR) , the Velpur Gram Panchayat (GP) in the Nizamabad district in Telangana has demonstrated effective revenue generation from internal sources.
• Social Empowerment Must Precede Political Empowerment:  Clear mechanisms to ensure that States comply with the constitutional provisions, particularly in the appointment and implementation of the recommendations of the SFCs.
• Capacity Building for Self-Governance: This includes training to local representatives– to develop expertise so that they contribute more in planning and implementation of policies and programmes.
• Improving Participation: The Standing Committee on Rural Development recommended that state governments should put a quorum in gram sabha meetings for participation of panchayat representatives, including women. 
• Technology in Local Governance: Information and  Communication  Technology  (ICT) comprising digital tools and technologies, revolutionizes governance by enhancing communication, transparency, service delivery, and citizen engagement.
  • Through  the  internet  and mobile technology, PRIs can communicate efficiently, disseminate vital information, and engage citizens even in remote areas.
  •  Digital platforms aid in  transparent data sharing, planning, and analysis, while data analytics systems facilitate evidence-based decision-making.
  • Sampoorna Swaraj Foundation has developed a navigated learning system curates specialised learning activities for each learner to facilitate their journey to the required level of knowledge and skill.

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Conclusion

India’s local governance system needs to be empowered in all three areas to ensure that power truly rests with the people, not just on paper, but also in practice.

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