Synopsis: A precise caste census is difficult, but the data will be useful to drive social policy. Introduction This article talks about the complexities that are inherent in the caste census. There are challenges in conducting a caste census, but given the merit of such a census, should we go ahead with the census? What… Continue reading Complex count: On caste census
Author: Ramandeep Kaur
A disease surveillance system, for the future
Synopsis Diseases and outbreaks are realities and a well-functioning system can help reduce their impact. Introduction The article highlights the importance of epidemiology in preventing and controlling infectious diseases. What is epidemiology and disease surveillance? Epidemiology is the study and analysis of the distribution, patterns and determinants of health and disease conditions in defined populations.… Continue reading A disease surveillance system, for the future
Make departments smart, first
Synopsis: E-governance holds the promise of improving local governance, but only if we pay attention to the basics. Introduction To have a smart city, there is a need to make all the departments of the city smart. In such cities, good governance is dependent on good service delivery. This requires good availability of data. Thus,… Continue reading Make departments smart, first
WHO’s new air quality standards underline the health-pollution link. It’s time policies take a holistic approach
Synopsis: India’s air quality standards were way short of WHO norms even before. The new thresholds will sharpen these differences. Introduction The World Health Organization (WHO) has released the Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs). These guidelines are not legally binding but advise to policymakers to shape their policies by prioritizing the health of the people. Read… Continue reading WHO’s new air quality standards underline the health-pollution link. It’s time policies take a holistic approach
Ex Gratia: Why GOI should pay, Compensating Death
Synopsis: The court mediated decision for COVID 19 death compensation will help the poorest. Introduction Recently, Centre on the suggestions of the Supreme Court has agreed to provide financial relief of ₹50,000 per deceased individual to families of those who died of COVID-19. It will also include those who were involved in relief operations or… Continue reading Ex Gratia: Why GOI should pay, Compensating Death
How Poshan vatikas can help bridge the nutrition
Synopsis: Self-reliance and the adoption of sustainable food systems to address nutrition security amongst women and children is needed to address the tackle the challenge of nutrition. Introduction In the backdrop of Poshan Maah in September 2021, the Ministry of Women and Child Development is keen to promote the establishment of “Poshan Vatikas” across the… Continue reading How Poshan vatikas can help bridge the nutrition
Judiciary must reexamine how it has viewed citizenship questions in Assam
Synopsis: NRC was designed to filter out the foreigners in India. However, this seems to be impacting the very right of citizenship of Indians residing in Assam. Introduction Recently, Gauhati High Court, while hearing the case of Asor Uddin, gave its view on citizenship. Ason was declared to be a “foreigner” by a Foreigners Tribunal… Continue reading Judiciary must reexamine how it has viewed citizenship questions in Assam
Citizen scorecards for better accountability
Synopsis: The CAG’s auditing standards highlight the importance of performance audits for promoting transparency and evaluating outcomes. Introduction Soon, Parliament is going to celebrate 100 years of establishment of the Public Account Committee in December. What is the Public accounts Committee (PAC)? It was set up in 1921 under the Montagu-Chelmsford reforms to conduct audits… Continue reading Citizen scorecards for better accountability
What counts is seldom counted: About Census
Synopsis: The census in India has been postponed due to the pandemic. Such events are rare. This also opens up the opportunity to discuss utility and changes to the census. Introduction It is surprising that while India is debating the caste census, the regular census has not been conducted yet. In fact, it is the… Continue reading What counts is seldom counted: About Census
Creating citizen centric police
Synopsis: Despite Prakash Singh’s judgement on police reforms, the reforms largely remain on paper. Thus, this demands a closer and deeper analysis. Introduction On September 22, 2006, in the historic Judgement in the Prakash Singh case, the Supreme Court gave significant direction for police reforms. If implemented, these can have a transformative effect on the… Continue reading Creating citizen centric police
