Mapping Legislative Vacuum in India's Heat Crisis: Call for 'Right to Cool'
India is experiencing a profound heat crisis, transitioning from a seasonal hardship to a systemic national issue, with over 57% of districts now heat-prone. The impact disproportionately affects informal workers, leading to 'thermal injustice' and significant income loss. A legislative vacuum exists, as current laws like the Factories Act, 1948, and OSHWC Code 2020 are inadequate for outdoor heat. Recommendations include adding heatwaves to the National Disaster list, using the Heat Index for declarations, implementing binding heat safety rules, recognizing 'Right to Cool' under Article 21, and providing financial compensation for lost income.
मुख्य बिंदु
- India's heat crisis has become a systemic national issue, disproportionately affecting informal workers and leading to 'thermal injustice'.
- Existing legislative frameworks like the Factories Act, 1948, and OSHWC Code 2020 are insufficient to protect outdoor workers from extreme heat.
- Heatwaves are not currently on the Nationally Notified Disaster list, limiting states' access to relief funds.
- Key recommendations include incorporating heatwaves into the National Disaster list and recognizing the 'Right to Cool' as a fundamental right under Article 21.
- The government should implement binding heat safety rules, including work-rest cycles and specialized PPE, and provide financial compensation for heat-induced income loss.
परीक्षा तथ्य
- Over 57% of Indian districts are now classified as heat-prone.
- The Factories Act, 1948, and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSHWC) Code 2020 are cited as inadequate.
- The 16th Finance Commission's recommendation to include heatwaves in the Notified National Disaster list for 2026-31 is mentioned.
- The Supreme Court's Ranjitsinh (2024) ruling supports recognizing the 'Right to Cool' under Article 21.
पढ़ें। याद रखें। याद करें।
स्पेस्ड-रिपीटिशन फ्लैशकार्ड, दैनिक क्विज़ और ऑफ़लाइन एक्सेस पाएं — एंड्रॉइड पर मुफ़्त।