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India’s Health Research and Disease Burden

Context:

A recent collaborative study by the IISc in Bangalore and the Leiden University in the Netherlands shows a mismatch between India’s health-related research publications and DALYs.  

Disease Burden

• Disease burden is a composite metric of mortality and morbidity which is represented through Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) by the World Health Organization (WHO), is a measure of a population’s health.
• Some diseases corner a high share of health research publications, disproportionate to their burden:

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Context: 

Experts at Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) said that the Indian small and medium companies stepping into antibiotic development can play an important role in rejuvenating the global pipeline.

Role of Indian Companies in Antibiotic Development

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) refers to the ability of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, to adapt and become resistant to the drugs designed to kill or inhibit their growth.
  • This includes resistance to antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitic drugs.
• The global antibiotic pipeline: It is weak across the pre-clinical and clinical development stages.
• The big pharmaceutical companies: They are no longer keen to fund if the resistance to pathogens is not a major problem in the Western world.
  • Analysis of the clinical pipeline of 15 big pharmaceutical companies showed that most big companies have quit the Research & Development of new antibiotics.
• Indian Companies: The small and medium-scale companies in India have taken up the responsibility.
  • They have a huge task and a lot depends on how they are supported.
• Need: Regulatory harmonisation at the global level so that the innovators can use the data that is already generated.
• Antibiotics have attributes of a global public good despite not fitting into the strictest definition.

News Source: Down To Earth

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Context:

Recently, there has been an explosion in the amount of data on somatic variants due to increasing ability to sequence the genetic material in individual cells using advanced microfluidics and high-throughput sequencers.

About Human Genome

• The human genome is the blueprint of our genetic makeup and it has 23 pairs of chromosomes, one inherited from each of our parents.
• Process of Human Genome Formation:
  • The ovum and the sperm carry these blueprints from our parents.
  • After fertilisation, the combined single cell starts to divide by copying the genetic material to nearly a trillion cells that make up the human body.
• Various studies have estimated that there is an error rate of 0.64-0.78 mutations per billion base pairs per division.

About Somatic Genetic Variants

• An error that occurs in the DNA after birth but during development is called a somatic genetic mutation. 
  • For example, Skin Cancer, Lung Cancer etc.
• Their occurrence is driven by the repeated copy and pasting of the genome which means there will be more somatic genetic mutations in the older individuals.
• Sometimes, a somatic genetic mutation can render a cell fitter than others, which lead to the formation of tumours. So these mutations are called driver mutations. It plays an important role in the development of cancers. 

News Source: The Hindu

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Context:

To provide a solution for the ethnic conflict in Manipur, the state government has proposed to grant greater autonomy to the existing hill councils, without compromising the territorial integrity of the state.

Manipur Autonomous District Councils

• Unlike other states, Manipur ADCs do not come under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
• They are separate administrative entities with dependence on the state legislature.

About Autonomous District Councils (ADCs)

• Sixth Schedule of Indian Constitution: It contains special provisions for ADCs, to provide an opportunity for self-governance to tribal people, protect their identity, culture and land, and usher in development in remote regions.
• Article 244: It provides for the formation of autonomous administrative divisions — Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) — that have some legislative, judicial, and administrative autonomy within a state.
  • It contains provisions regarding the Administration of Scheduled and Tribal Areas.
• Presently, there are a total of ten ADCs in the four states:
  • Assam: North Cachar Hills District, Karbi Anglong District and Bodoland Territorial Areas.
  • Meghalaya: Khasi Hills District, Jaintia Hills District and Garo Hills District.
  • Tripura: Tripura Tribal Areas District.
  • Mizoram: Chakma District, Mara District, and Lai District.
• Governor’s Functions:
  • S/he is empowered to organise and re-organise the autonomous districts.
  • S/he can appoint a commission to examine and report on any matter relating to the administration of the autonomous districts or regions.
  • S/he may dissolve a district or regional council on the recommendation of the commission.
• Features of Administration according to the Sixth Schedule:
  • Membership: Each autonomous district has a district council consisting of 30 members (4 nominated by the Governor and 26 are elected).
  • Tenure:
    • Elected Members: Five years.
    • Nominated Members: Hold office during the pleasure of the Governor.
  • Regional Council: Each autonomous region has a separate regional council.
  • The Acts of Parliament or the State Legislature: They do not apply to autonomous districts and autonomous regions or apply with specified modifications and exceptions.

 News Source: The Indian Express

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Context:

Recently, the Union Home Minister chaired the 38th meeting of the Committee of Parliament on Official Language.

More on News:

• During the meeting, the 12th volume of the report of the Committee of Parliament on Official Language was also approved which will be presented to the President.
• In his address, the Union Home Minister emphasized that respect of heritage is incomplete without respect of language and acceptance of official language will come only when we give respect to local languages.
• The Centre’s government move to replace three British-era laws the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973, and Indian Evidence Act, 1872 with Hindi names is an  attempt” to tamper with the essence of India’s diversity and reeks of “linguistic imperialism”, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin said.

Committee of Parliament on Official Language:

• It was set up in 1976 under Section 4 of The Official Languages Act, 1963.
• Mandate: To review the progress made in the use of Hindi for official purposes, and to make recommendations to increase the use of Hindi in official communications.
• Composition: It comprises 30 members of Parliament, 20 from Lok Sabha and 10 from Rajya Sabha, headed by Home- Minister.
• Under the provisions of the 1963 Act, the Committee submits its report to the President, who “shall [then] cause the report to be laid before each House of Parliament, and sent to all the State Governments”.

Official Language

• Part XVII of the Constitution deals with the official language in Articles 343 to 351.
• Part XVII of the Constitution deals with official language under which, Article 343 specifies that the official language of the Union shall be Hindi in Devanagari script along with the international form of the Indian numerals. 
• But, notwithstanding this, English will continue to be used for all official purposes of the Union for a period of fifteen years from the commencement of the Constitution that is till 25th January 1965.
• Article 344: Article 344(1) provides for the constitution of a Commission by the President on expiration of five years from the commencement of the Constitution.
• Article 351: It provides for the spread of the Hindi language to develop it so that it may serve as a medium of expression for all the elements of the composite culture of India.

About  Eighth Schedule:

• The Eighth Schedule to the constitution of India lists the official languages of India.
  • It consists of the following 22 languages: Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi,Sanskrit, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Bodo, Santhali, Maithili and Dogri.
  • However, there are no established criteria for a language to be deemed eligible for incorporation into the Eighth Schedule.

Why was Hindi declared as an official language?

• Historical Context: Hindi has a long history as a prominent language in northern India and has been used for administrative and cultural purposes for centuries. It was already in use in many regions as a lingua franca.
• Independence Movement: During the Indian independence movement, leaders like Mahatma Gandhi advocated for the use of Hindi as a means of bringing together people from different linguistic backgrounds. They saw it as a symbol of unity in the struggle against British colonial rule.

Challenges in furthering Hindi as official language:

• Linguistic Diversity: While Hindi is widely spoken in some regions, it is not the native language for many Indians. 
  • For Example: South India is home to Dravidian states- Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. These states are not really willing to readily accept Hindi as an official language.
• Language Identity: Many states have their own languages that are deeply rooted in their cultural identities. These states may resist attempts to prioritize Hindi over their own languages, as it could be seen as a threat to their linguistic heritage and cultural identity.
  • For Example: Since language is a state subject, Tamil Nadu has refused to accept three language formula. The Tamil Nadu government has been following a two-language formula which is English and Tamil as two languages of the state. 
• Political Sensitivities: Language issues can be highly sensitive and political in nature. Attempts to promote one language over others could lead to political conflicts and controversies.

• Language Education: Ensuring quality education in Hindi and training a skilled workforce proficient in the language can be a challenge, particularly in areas where it’s not commonly spoken.
• Linguistic Rights: The Indian Constitution recognizes the linguistic rights of citizens, ensuring the right to education and administration in one’s own language. Any attempt to marginalize languages could be seen as a violation of these rights.

• Federal Structure: India follows a federal structure where states have a degree of autonomy. Decisions related to language policy often need to take into consideration the sensitivities of different states and regions.

THe Confusion of Hindi being  Official Language or National Language:

• A national language of a nation is restricted to accommodate various identities and their differences,common perception of people is that Hindi is the national language of India. 
  • This is often associated with the ‘one nation, one language’ goal of the country.  It is different from official languages. 
• Current status of Hindi: Hindi is one of our regional languages under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.Also, Article 343 specifies that the official language of the Union shall be Hindi in Devanagari script.
• Gujarat High Court in Suresh Bhai v. Union (2010): In 2010, the Gujarat High Court in Suresh Bhai v. Union (2010) observed that ‘since the majority of the people have accepted Hindi as a national language and many people speak Hindi and write in Devanagari, yet there is no official record to suggest that any provision has been made to consider it as the national language of the country.‘

Way Forward:

• National Integration: Position Hindi as a language that facilitates national integration and communication while respecting the diversity of languages and cultures in India.
• Multilingual Approach: Promote a multilingual approach where both Hindi and other regional languages are given importance. 
  • It can be done by ensuring that official documents, communication, and government services are available in multiple languages, including Hindi and the regional languages of each state.
• Language Infrastructure: Develop language infrastructure that supports the use of multiple languages in government, administration, and public services. 
  • It  includes translation services, language training for government officials, and digital platforms that offer content in different languages.
• Sensitivity to Regional Feelings: Approach language policies with sensitivity to regional sentiments and historical factors.
• Bilingual Communication: In regions where Hindi is not the primary language, encourage bilingual communication, where both Hindi and the regional language are used for official purposes.
• Collaborative Approach: Engage with linguistic experts, educators, and representatives from different linguistic communities to develop language policies that are inclusive and balanced.

News Source: PIB

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Context: According to the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) latest annual report, it received a total of 1,15,203 corruption complaints against all category employees of the central government in 2022. 

More on the News:

• Out of the total complaints, 85,437 have been disposed of and 29,766 are still pending.
  • 22,034 complaints have been pending for more than three months.
• Ministry-Wise: CVC has received the highest number of corruption complaints against employees of the Union home ministry, followed by those working for the railways and in banks..
• Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi received 7,370 complaints of corruption. 

Corruption and its Menance

• UN’s Global Programme against Corruption (GAPAC) defines corruption as ‘the abuses of power for private gain and includes thereby both the public & private sector and private Individual’.
• There are various kinds of corruption like conflict of interest, embezzlement, fraud, bribery, political corruption, nepotism and extortion. 

India and Corruption

• In India, corruption is omnipresent in almost every government sector, from sanctioning driving license to framing of policy of NREGA. 
• It is evident from the fact that as per Transparency International, India is ranked 85 amongst 180 countries in the corruption index, which is pitiful. 

• According to a survey by global civil society Transparency International, India has the highest rate of bribery and use of personal links to access public services such as healthcare and education in Asia.

Some of the reasons for corruption in India are:

• Legacy issues: The colonial rule and the feudal system left behind a culture of patronage, nepotism, and hierarchy that fostered corruption.
• Inefficient governance induces corrupt practices: The public administration and the political system are often opaque and unresponsive to the citizens’ demands and grievances. 
  • There is a lack of effective mechanisms to monitor and punish corrupt officials.

• Weak institutions and laws: The judiciary, the police, the media, and the civil society are often ineffective or compromised in their role of checking and balancing the power of the executive and the legislature. 
  • Failure of the judiciary  to hold corrupt officials, particularly politicians, accountable. Excessive protection afforded to civil officials under Articles 311 of the constitution and the requirement to obtain government approval before bringing civil servants to justice.
  • Weak enforcement mechanisms: The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data for 2019 shows that the conviction rate for cases registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA) was only 34.3%.
• High demand and low supply of public goods and services: The population growth, urbanization, and economic development have increased the demand for public goods and services such as education, health, infrastructure, etc. 
  • Lack of supply of these goods and services is often inadequate, inefficient, or unequal, creating a gap that can be exploited by corrupt intermediaries or officials.
• Complex bureaucratic procedures: According to the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Report 2020, India ranks 63rd out of 190 countries in terms of “dealing with construction permits,” indicating that bureaucratic procedures can be time-consuming and cumbersome.
  • The Economic Survey of India 2020-21 acknowledges that regulatory complexity can create opportunities for corruption and calls for simplifying regulations.
• Limited access to information: The Right to Information (RTI) Act, which is intended to promote transparency and accountability, has faced challenges in implementation, including delays and lack of response to RTI requests.
  • Transparency International found that only 37% of Indians surveyed believed that ordinary people can make a difference in the fight against corruption.
• Cultural acceptance of corruption in some areas: According to Transparency International, 32% of Indians believed that it is acceptable for a business to pay a bribe to win contracts.
  • The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 2019-20 found that in some states, such as Bihar and Jharkhand, a significant proportion of households reported paying bribes for public services such as healthcare.

Impacts of corruption in India are:

• Economic losses: Corruption reduces the efficiency and effectiveness of public spending and investment, leading to wastage of resources, misallocation of funds, inflation, lower growth, and higher poverty. 
  • Corruption also discourages private investment and innovation, erodes tax revenues, distorts markets, and increases the cost of doing business.
• Social costs: Corruption undermines the quality and accessibility of public goods and services, especially for the poor and marginalized groups. 
  • Corruption affects the delivery of basic rights such as education, health, water, sanitation, etc., leading to lower human development outcomes. 
  • Corruption also erodes the trust and confidence of the people in the government and the institutions, leading to social unrest, violence, and extremism
• Political consequences: Corruption weakens the legitimacy and credibility of the democratic system and the rule of law. 
  • Corruption affects the electoral process, the representation of the people, and the accountability of the leaders. 
  • Corruption enables the capture of the state by powerful elites or interest groups who influence policies and decisions for their own benefit.
• On marginalized communities in India: Corruption  exacerbates poverty, inequality, and social exclusion, hindering their access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and sanitation.
  • Corruption undermines the effectiveness of government schemes and programs designed to benefit the marginalized communities.

Steps taken to Prevent Corruption in India

• Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988: It defines corruption as the act of offering or accepting bribes, misusing public resources, or using one’s position of power for personal gain. 
  • The act establishes various penalties and punishments for those found guilty of corruption, including fines and imprisonment.
• Right to Information Act, 2005: It enables the citizens of India to inquire and seek information from a Public Authority, thereby making the Government and its functionaries liable for its affairs and the institution is required by law to reply immediately or under thirty days of filing of the application. 
  • RTI gives citizens the legal right to access information from public authorities, which promotes transparency and accountability in government operations.
• Institution of Lokpal: The Lokpal is an anti-corruption ombudsman institution in India. 
  • It was established through the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, with the aim of investigating and prosecuting cases of corruption among public officials, including the Prime Minister, Ministers, and Members of Parliament. 
  • The Lokpal is an independent body that is responsible for receiving complaints from the public, conducting investigations, and prosecuting those found guilty of corruption. 
• National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS), launched in 2011, aims to build public awareness about corruption and promote a culture of integrity.
• National e-Governance Plan (NeGP), launched in 2006, aims to transform governance by leveraging technology to improve transparency, efficiency, and citizen participation.
• Simplifying regulatory procedures:
  • Disbursement of welfare benefits directly to the citizens under various schemes of the Government in a transparent manner through the Direct Benefit Transfer initiative.
  • Implementation of E-tendering in public procurements.
  • Introduction of e-Governance and simplification of procedure and systems.
  • Introduction of Government procurement through the Government e- Marketplace (GeM).

Recommendations to curb corruption in India are:

• Strengthening legal framework and institutions:
  • The judiciary, the police, the media, and the civil society should be empowered and supported to perform their roles effectively and independently. 
  • The laws and regulations should be simplified, updated, harmonized, and enforced strictly. 
  • The anti-corruption agencies should be given more autonomy, authority, resources, and accountability.
• Enhancing transparency and accountability:
  • Implement robust systems for financial transparency, including e-governance and digital platforms.
  • Encourage public disclosure of assets and liabilities of public officials.
  • Promote transparency in public procurement processes.
• Promoting citizen participation:
  • Facilitate citizen engagement in decision-making processes through mechanisms like public consultations and participatory budgeting.
  • Encourage the use of social audits to monitor the implementation of public programs.
  • Foster a culture of whistleblowing and protect whistleblowers from retaliation.
• Improving public service delivery:
  • Streamline bureaucratic procedures and reduce discretion to minimize opportunities for corruption.
  • Implement merit-based recruitment, performance evaluation, and promotion systems.
  • Enhance access to quality public services, particularly in sectors prone to corruption.
• Strengthening ethics and integrity:
  • Promote ethical leadership and integrity in public and private sectors through training programs and awareness campaigns.
  • Establish codes of conduct and ethical standards for public officials and professionals.
  • Encourage the adoption of corporate governance practices to prevent corruption in the business sector.
• Enhancing international cooperation:
  • Collaborate with international organizations and other countries to combat cross-border corruption and money laundering.
  • Ratify and implement international conventions against corruption, such as the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).

News Source: India Today

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