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Understanding the interplay of public health crises, surveillance, and governance is vital for tackling modern challenges. The 1896 Bombay Plague illustrates how tools like mapping, policing, and control informed public health strategies, offering valuable lessons for today.
The 1896–97 Bombay Plague was a catastrophic event in colonial India, originating in Bombay through trade routes with the Far East.
The colonial government established the Indian Plague Commission in 1898, chaired by T.R. Fraser, to investigate the epidemic. The Commission conducted extensive research and produced a detailed report.
Note: The 22nd Law Commission of India, in its comprehensive review of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, observed that the “unbridled and incongruous powers of the State” under colonial rule led to misuse of power instead of effective disease control. Modern times have seen a shift toward medical professionals assuming surveillance roles, reflecting evolving public health strategies and ethical considerations regarding the appropriate functions of police versus medical personnel. |
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The historical use of surveillance and policing during the Bombay Plague offers valuable insights into modern public health policy and the evolution of surveillance systems.
Today, it is essential to develop public health policies that respect individual rights, promote transparency, and foster trust between governments and communities. Learning from the past, we can create systems that are not only effective but also equitable, ensuring that the health needs of all people are met without reinforcing harmful power dynamics.
India’s expanding mining industry, driven by economic growth, is vital for extracting minerals like silica. However, prolonged worker exposure to silica dust poses severe health risks, including silicosis.
Silica, found in sand and stone and is crucial for construction projects. |
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Prevalence of Silicosis in India
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India must reconcile its climate justice stance with actions to protect workers in hazardous industries. Failing to safeguard its citizens’ health undermines its credibility and long-term development goals, highlighting the need for stronger enforcement and worker welfare policies. |
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A comprehensive approach, including increased awareness, improved healthcare, strict enforcement of regulations, and better working conditions, is crucial to protect mine workers from silicosis. Only through coordinated action can India address this growing public health challenge effectively.
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India is on a transformative journey to establish itself as a global manufacturing hub, driven by strategic policy initiatives such as the PLI scheme which is laying the groundwork for India’s manufacturing resurgence.
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme
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The Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) for 2022-23 provides compelling evidence of the PLI scheme’s impact. Key findings include:
These outcomes indicate a strong recovery in the manufacturing sector, marking a steady return to pre-pandemic growth levels.
For India to transform into a developed economy by 2047, the manufacturing sector must play a pivotal role. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) projects that the manufacturing sector’s share in GVA could rise from 17% currently to over 25% by 2030-31 and 27% by 2047-48 with sustained efforts.
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The recent tragic fire at a hospital in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, which claimed the lives of 11 newborn babies, is a chilling reminder of a systemic failure to ensure fire safety in India.
In a country as large and populous as India, fire safety is not just a technical requirement but a moral imperative. The Jhansi hospital fire and similar tragedies serve as stark reminders that it is time for the nation to prioritize fire safety with the urgency it demands.
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