Sri Lanka’s recent political shift, following the National People’s Power’s (NPP) decisive electoral victory, marks a major overhaul driven by economic crisis, public unrest, and demands for reform, reshaping Srilankan political landscape.

Electoral Victory and Power Shift

The NPP, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, secured a decisive victory in the 2024 parliamentary elections.

• NPP won 159 of 225 seats, capturing 61.6% of the vote, following Dissanayake’s presidential victory in September 2024.
• The main opposition, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), dropped to 40 seats (17.7% vote share).
• Former ruling parties suffered massive losses: Ranil Wickremesinghe’s party secured just 5 seats (4.5%), and the Rajapaksa-led party won only 3 seats (3.1%).

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Historic Significance

• This marks the most significant political overhaul in Sri Lanka since its independence, comparable to the 1977 election during a global economic downturn.
• The NPP’s victory is historic, as it’s the first time a national party has won in Tamil-majority districts in the Northern Province.
• The election also saw the election of three women from the hill country Tamil community, reflecting a shift toward more inclusive representation.

Factors Behind the Change

• The electoral shift was largely driven by Sri Lanka’s worst economic crisis since independence, which led to widespread public protests and demands for a change in the political system.
• Sri Lanka was forced to seek help from the IMF due to a severe financial crisis.
• The economic collapse also saw the collapse of established Tamil nationalist politics, particularly in the North, and growing dissatisfaction with diaspora-focused Tamil political parties.

Challenges Ahead for the NPP Government

• Economic Challenges:
  • Managing the IMF program and ongoing debt restructuring, which includes implementing austerity measures.
  • Addressing the aftermath of the country’s external debt default while keeping the economy afloat under stringent conditions and reforms imposed by international financial institutions.
• Political Reforms:
  • The NPP has promised to abolish the executive presidency, a significant step in its reform agenda.
  • It also plans to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and draft a new constitution, but this will require a two-thirds majority in Parliament.
  • Addressing ethnic minority grievances, particularly those of Tamils, will be essential for maintaining national unity.
  • While the NPP’s reform promises are ambitious, the government will need to navigate significant political and social challenges to implement them effectively.

Implications for India

• Sri Lanka’s political shift holds significant implications for India, particularly in the context of South Asian geopolitics. 
• As a key neighbour and strategic partner, India will closely monitor Sri Lanka’s management of ethnic and political tensions, especially regarding the Tamil community, which shares historical and cultural ties with Tamil Nadu. 
• The NPP government’s stance on Tamil issues and its approach to ethnic reconciliation will have a direct impact on regional stability, making it a critical area for India’s diplomatic engagement.
• Additionally, any shifts in Sri Lanka’s alignment with global powers could affect India’s regional security framework and its broader geopolitical strategies in the Indian Ocean region.

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Conclusion

While the NPP’s victory represents a transformative moment in Sri Lankan politics, the real test will lie in its ability to implement reforms, address economic challenges, and ensure national unity in the face of both domestic and international pressures.

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A report by the Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNi) reveals that global food and beverage companies offer unhealthier products in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) compared to high-income countries (HICs). 

• This contributes to the rise of non-communicable diseases like obesity and diabetes in countries like India. 
• The report calls for better food labeling to help consumers make healthier choices.

Report Methodology of the ATNi Report

• The ATNi analysed 52,414 food products from 30 leading global food and beverage brands, including Nestle, Pepsico, Unilever, Coca-Cola, and Hershey. 
• These products were assessed using a health star rating system ranging from 1 to 5 stars, where 5 stars indicated the healthiest products.
• Key Factors Considered:
  • Involvement of Risk-increasing components: Energy, saturated fat, total sugars, sodium etc.
  • Involvement of Risk-decreasing components: Protein, fibre, fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes etc.

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Key Findings of ATNi Report

Products Sold in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs)

• With an average health score of just 1.8 stars, products in LMICs were found to be significantly less healthy compared to those sold in High-Income Countries (HICs).
• It was found that there is limited availability of micronutrient data for these products.
• Only 30% of companies have strategies in place to price healthier products affordably for low-income consumers.

Products Sold in High-Income Countries (HICs)

• The average health score was found to be  2.3 stars.
• It was also found that healthier products are more commonly available in HICs as compared to LMICs.

Significance of the report in India

• India is grappling with an increasing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes and obesity, which are largely driven by poor dietary habits. 
• The report highlights how unhealthy food products in the market contribute to this growing health crisis, underlining the need for better regulation and healthier food options.

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Contributing Factors to Current Health Challenges

• Diet-Related Issues:
  • The increased consumption of processed foods, which are often high in sugars, fats, and sodium, combined with reduced physical activity, is a leading cause of NCDs in India.
  • Access to diverse foods remains limited for large sections of the population, exacerbating micronutrient deficiencies.
• Economic Factors:
  • Over 50% of Indians cannot afford a healthy diet, as per UN data.
  • At the same time, household expenditure on processed foods is rising, contributing to an unhealthy dietary shift.

Current Situation of Regulatory Status in India:

• India is committed to global health resolutions such as those outlined by the World Health Assembly (WHA).
• In 2017, India launched the National Multisectoral Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Common NCDs (NMAP) for the period 2017-22 to tackle non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
• Despite these efforts, there has been little progress in implementing front-of-pack labelling for food products, which remains a critical gap in public health policy.

Way Forward

• Front-of-Package Labelling: Clear, mandatory labels highlighting sugar, fat, and sodium levels are crucial for informed consumer choices. 
  • Labels should be simple, user-friendly, and free of jargon. 
  • A star rating system can indicate product healthiness, making healthier choices easier to identify.
• Government Action: This includes enforcing regulations on food quality, promoting healthier eating habits, and improving access to affordable nutritious food, especially for low-income groups.
• Global Success Stories: Countries like Chile and Mexico have effectively used front-of-package labels to reduce the consumption of sugary beverages. 
  • Evidence shows that warning labels, in particular, are more effective than star ratings in influencing consumer behaviour.

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Conclusion

In light of the findings from the ATNi report and the rising health challenges in India, it is crucial for the government to implement strong regulatory measures for food labelling, especially on processed foods, to combat NCDs and promote public health. Without these measures, the growing incidence of diet-related diseases is likely to continue, burdening the healthcare system and affecting the quality of life for millions.

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The Indian government has recently launched a door-to-door survey to address urban poverty, focusing on vulnerable groups like domestic and gig workers.

Key Facts

• Recent reports, including NITI Aayog’s analysis and the India Employment Report 2024 by the International Labour Organization (ILO), suggest that the proportion of urban poverty has declined. 
• It dropped from 13.7% in 2012 to 12.55% in 2022. However, the absolute number of urban poor continues to rise due to rapid urbanisation.
• In fact, experts warn that as more people migrate to urban areas in search of better opportunities, the issue of urban poverty is likely to worsen.

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Characteristics of Urban Poverty

• High living costs: Individuals and households in urban poverty often face low income levels, struggling to meet basic needs such as food, clothing,shelter and healthcare.
• Lack of Access to Affordable Housing: High housing costs, rents , overcrowding, and inadequate housing conditions are common in urban poor areas. Many live in informal settlements or slums.
• Poor Living Conditions: Overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and vulnerability to environmental hazards like floods and pollution are common in areas where the urban poor live.

Evolution of Urban Poverty in India

• Growth and Migration:
  • The 1990s economic reforms spurred urbanization, with increased investments in industries and services driving demand for skilled labor. 
  • This led to significant rural-to-urban and urban-to-urban migration. However, the growth was uneven, resulting in disparities in benefits.                           
• Slum Growth:
  • As cities faced challenges in providing affordable housing and services, informal settlements and slums grew, especially near railways and dumpyards.
  • This urban expansion, driven by migration, led to overcrowding and the “urbanization of poverty.”

Problems of Slums in India

Slums, often seen as the epicenter of urban poverty, are home to millions of India’s urban poor.

• Definition of Slums:
  • 2011 Census Definition: A slum is defined as a cluster of 60-70 households, regardless of the legality of tenure.
  • NSSO and Planning Commission Definition: A slum is a compact settlement of at least 20 households.
• Prevalence of Slums:
  • In 2001, 23.5% of urban households lived in slums, decreasing to 17% by 2011. 
  • However, the absolute number of slum households grew from 10.5 million to 13.75 million, indicating a rise in slum dwellers despite the relative decline.
• Slums in Small and Medium Towns:
  • While slums are often linked to large cities, research shows poverty is more severe in small and medium towns. 
  • In fact, 62% of slum dwellers live outside major urban areas, indicating widespread slum conditions beyond large cities.
• Undercounting of Slums:
  • The current definition excludes smaller clusters with fewer than 60 households, where vulnerable residents often live.
  • This exclusion leads to a significant undercounting of slums, missing out on many at-risk populations.
• Environmental Hazards:
  • Many slum clusters, especially those with fewer than 60 households, are located in environmentally hazardous areas. 
  • These include flood-prone zones, riverbanks, near sewage drains, railway tracks, and polluting factories, hillsides prone to landslides or waste dumps etc. 
• Living Conditions:
  • Over half of the urban poor live in conditions that are smaller than the space allocated for a prison cell.
  • These overcrowded conditions not only exacerbate poverty but also increase vulnerability to environmental disasters and climate change.

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Connection Between Urban Poverty and Informal Jobs

Urban poverty is strongly linked to the informal sector, where many poor migrants find employment.

• Characteristics of Informal Sector Jobs: Workers in the informal sector often lack job security and social benefits, such as health insurance or pensions. 
  • They typically work in low-paying, labor-intensive jobs with no legal protections.
  • Examples include domestic workers, street vendors, and home-based workers.
• Job Insecurity and Low Wages: Informal sector jobs are characterized by insecure employment, where workers have no contracts, few protections, and very low wages. 
  • This insecurity exacerbates their poverty, making it difficult to escape the cycle of poverty.

Schemes to address urban poverty

• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U): PMAY-U aims to provide affordable housing for all urban poor through subsidies and financial assistance for the construction of houses.
• Jal Jeevan Mission – Urban(JJM-U): The JJM – U focuses on ensuring safe and adequate drinking water supply to all urban households through individual household tap connections.
• Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY): DAY focuses on uplifting urban poor through skill development and sustainable livelihood opportunities by promoting inclusive urban development
• National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM): NULM aims to reduce poverty and vulnerability of the urban poor by promoting skill development, self-employment, and institutional support.

These initiatives aim to address issues like housing, drinking water, sanitation as well as gainful self-employment and skilled wage employment opportunities. 

Challenges in Addressing Urban Poverty

• Difficulty in Estimating Informal Sector and Slums: Accurately measuring urban poverty is challenging due to the underreporting of slums and informal settlements. 
  • Many slums are not officially counted, and migrants are often excluded from official statistics and poverty assessments.
• Exclusion from Benefits: Migrants and informal sector workers are sometimes left out of government schemes and benefits, making it difficult to effectively address their needs.
• Leakage of Schemes: There is significant leakage in government schemes, where benefits either fail to reach the intended beneficiaries or are diverted, reducing the effectiveness of poverty alleviation efforts.

Way Forward

• Data Rationalisation: There is a need for better data collection and rationalisation to capture the full extent of urban poverty, including slums, informal settlements, and migrant populations, to design effective policies.
• Expansion of Social Protection: Social protection and safety nets should be expanded to cover all vulnerable groups, including migrants and informal workers.
• Improved Implementation of Schemes: Ensuring better implementation of existing schemes by addressing gaps in beneficiary identification and distribution. 
  • Special focus should be on female workers, who are often more likely to be excluded from benefits.
• Inclusive Policy Execution: An inclusive policy approach can ensure urban poverty alleviation reaches vulnerable groups, including migrants, women, and informal sector workers.

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Conclusion

Addressing urban poverty will require targeted policies, better data collection, and inclusive social protection to ensure sustainable urban development and poverty alleviation.

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The Uttar Pradesh State Women’s Commission proposed banning male tailors from taking women’s measurements and installing CCTVs in tailoring shops to prevent harassment.

• However, these measures risk reinforcing gender segregation, stigmatising professions, and infringing on privacy.

Key Recommendations of the Commission

• Only female tailors take measurements for women.
• CCTVs to be installed in tailoring shops.
• Female barbers attend to female customers in salons.

Note: The rationale behind the underlying assumption here is that usually, male involvement in these professions increases the risk of “bad touch” and molestation.

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Challenges with the Proposal

1. Economic Challenges

• Impact on Livelihoods: This could significantly harm self-employed tailors and barbers, many of whom rely on mixed customer bases and belong to lower-income groups. 
• Financial Burden on Small Businesses: Small tailoring shops and salons, already competing with larger chains, would struggle with the costs of CCTV installation and maintenance. 
  • These expenses could lead to closures or reduced service quality, exacerbating their financial strain.

2. Operational Realities in Salons and Barbershops

• Salons:
  • Gendered Services: Intimate services like waxing or hair removal are already carried out by women in private cubicles, ensuring safety and comfort for female clients.
  • Open Floor Plans: Most salons have open layouts, enabling natural supervision and reducing the likelihood of inappropriate behaviour.
• Barbers:
  • Many male barbers are conscious of the potential consequences of misconduct.
  • They fear losing their reputation, and clients, or even being forced to relocate, which ensures self-regulation and professional behaviour.

3. Social and Cultural Challenges

• Reinforcement of Segregation:
  • This reflects patriarchal ideas like the concept of “zenanas” from colonial times, which confined women to separate quarters, treating them as fragile and subordinate.
• Undermines Gender Equality:
  • Segregation perpetuates stereotypes of women needing protection and men as threats, fostering mistrust over equality and respect.

4. Privacy and Ethical Concerns

• Installing CCTVs in tailoring shops or salons risks privacy violations, especially in sensitive areas like fitting rooms or waxing cubicles, eroding customer trust.

5. Symbolic vs. Systemic Issues

• The proposal targets external spaces while ignoring systemic issues like domestic violence and harassment, the primary source of harm to women.

Way Forward

• Focus on Attitudinal Change: Sexual harassment stems from societal attitudes towards gender. 
  • Strengthening support systems like shelters, helplines, and legal aid is crucial. 
  • Focus on fostering respect, consent, and equality, rather than segregation or surveillance. 
• Breaking Stereotypes: Segregating professions and restricting male participation reinforces harmful and outdated stereotypes.
  • It suggests that women cannot manage interactions with men professionally, undermining their independence and capabilities.
• Encourage Collaboration: Create inclusive spaces for men and women to work together in professions and community activities, breaking rigid gender roles and fostering mutual understanding.

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Conclusion

The proposal to segregate professions and introduce surveillance, though aimed at protecting women, poses challenges across various domains. Hence, a better approach aimed at fostering respect, consent, and gender equality is needed to address harassment effectively.

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