The Election Commission of India (ECI) is conducting a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to remove duplicates and outdated entries. While the goal is reasonable, the process, modeled on a Bihar design, is criticized for systemic flaws. The rapid pace shifts the burden of inclusion from the state to the voter, risking the exclusion of eligible citizens. Digital barriers, such as non-machine-readable old rolls and lack of real-time public scrutiny, further complicate the process. A single-appeal window is deemed insufficient to correct large-scale deletions caused by administrative gatekeeping and tight deadlines for state staff.
- The SIR aims to prune duplicates but faces criticism for treating the exclusion of eligible voters as an acceptable risk.
- The use of non-machine-readable historical rolls from 2002-2005 creates a digital divide and increases the likelihood of errors.
- The process lacks granular transparency, preventing civil society and political parties from identifying where the system fails.
President Droupadi Murmu recently released the Santhali translation of the Constitution of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The translation uses the Ol Chiki script, which is the traditional script for the Santhali language. This initiative aims to enable the Santhali-speaking tribal population, primarily located in Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and Bihar, to better understand their fundamental rights and the nation's legal framework. The move is seen as a significant step toward linguistic inclusion and the preservation of tribal heritage, ensuring that the country's foundational document is accessible to all citizens in their mother tongue.
- The Santhali version of the Constitution is written in the Ol Chiki script.
- Santhali is a major tribal language spoken in the states of Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and Bihar.
- This initiative promotes linguistic diversity and constitutional awareness among tribal communities.
India has consistently ranked high in global doping violations, a trend that threatens its aspirations to host major international events like the 2036 Olympics. In 2024, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) reported that 3.6% of India's tests resulted in adverse analytical findings. The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) attributes this to increased testing, but issues like athlete evasion and the involvement of support staff suggest a deeper systemic malaise. To combat this, the government passed the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025. Experts argue for NADA's complete independence and better funding to ensure a clean sports ecosystem.
- India recorded 260 adverse analytical findings (AAFs) out of 7,113 tests in 2024, ranking high globally.
- The lure of government jobs through sports quotas and lucrative cash awards often drives athletes toward performance-enhancing drugs.
- The National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aims to strengthen the legal framework against doping.
The National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) has been linked to the National Population Register (NPR), providing investigative agencies real-time access to the family-wise details of 119 crore residents. This integration aims to bolster intelligence gathering and speed up criminal investigations through secure platforms. A key tool, 'Gandiva', utilizes facial recognition and entity resolution to identify suspects by matching images against databases like telecom KYC or driving licenses. While the government emphasizes security benefits, the move links the first step of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to a powerful surveillance infrastructure.
- NATGRID provides a secure platform for police and central agencies to access government and private databases.
- The NPR contains family-wise data of 119 crore residents, last updated in 2015.
- 'Gandiva' is an upgraded NATGRID tool used for facial recognition and entity resolution.
The Union Government has constituted the Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) as a statutory body under the newly established Merchant Shipping Act 2025. Modelled after the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, BoPS will function under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Its primary role is to provide regulatory oversight for the security of ships and port facilities, addressing challenges like maritime terrorism, smuggling, and cybersecurity. While intended to streamline coordination among agencies like the Coast Guard and Navy, the move has faced criticism from coastal states for centralizing authority over non-major (state-owned) ports.
- BoPS will enforce compliance with international standards like the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
- The CISF is designated as a recognized Security Organisation to conduct assessments and train personnel.
- The new legislation grants the Union government more authority over state-owned ports, raising concerns about 'maritime federalism.'
The four new labour codes (2019 and 2020) aim to consolidate existing laws but face criticism for potentially undermining the rights of unorganised workers, who constitute 90% of India's workforce. The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSHWC) Code is criticized for removing specific safety rules previously present in the BOCW Act. Furthermore, the replacement of physical inspections with web-based systems is seen as a violation of ILO Convention 81. In states like Tamil Nadu, the new Social Security (SS) Code threatens existing sector-specific welfare boards that provide essential benefits to millions of manual workers.
- Unorganised workers contribute 65% of India's GDP but are largely excluded from the protections of the new codes.
- The OSHWC Code lacks specific safety mandates for hazardous sectors like construction, leading to higher accident risks.
- The transition to a centralized e-Shram system may lead to the dissolution of effective state-level welfare boards.
The article critiques the replacement of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee and Ajeevika Mission (VB-G RAM G). MGNREGA, enacted in 2005, provided a legally enforceable, demand-driven right to employment. The new 2025 law shifts this to a supply-driven framework, giving the Centre authority over fund allocation and program operation. Critics argue this undermines the 'right to work' and reduces state autonomy. Furthermore, the funding ratio between the Centre and States has changed from 90:10 to 60:40, potentially placing a heavy financial burden on state governments.
- MGNREGA was a demand-driven scheme, whereas the new framework is supply-driven, centralizing control.
- The rebranding and restructuring are seen by some as a shift away from a rights-based welfare approach.
- The change in the funding ratio (60:40) may lead states to curtail project approvals due to fiscal constraints.
Amidst rising pollution in the National Capital Region, legal experts emphasize the 'Right to a Healthy Environment' as an integral part of the Right to Life under Article 21. While the Constitution didn't originally include environmental protection, judicial interpretations of Articles 48A (Directive Principles) and 51A(g) (Fundamental Duties) have established this right. Key legal doctrines like the 'Precautionary Principle,' 'Polluter Pays Principle,' and 'Public Trust Doctrine' (M.C. Mehta v. Kamal Nath) form the bedrock of environmental jurisprudence in India. Recent judgments also link climate change mitigation to the right to equality (Article 14).
- The Right to a Healthy Environment is recognized as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution.
- Articles 48A and 51A(g) provide the constitutional basis for the state's duty to protect the environment.
- The 'Public Trust Doctrine' establishes the state as a trustee of natural resources for the benefit of the people.
According to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), India has recorded the highest number of doping offenders globally for the third straight year. In 2024, India reported 260 positive cases, more than double the number of any other nation. Athletics, weightlifting, and wrestling are the most affected sports. While the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) attributes the high numbers to increased testing, global comparisons show other countries have much lower positivity rates despite higher testing volumes. The government has introduced the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025, to strengthen the legal framework against doping.
- India recorded 260 positive doping cases in 2024, the highest number globally.
- Athletics is the sport with the highest number of violations in India, followed by weightlifting and wrestling.
- India's positivity rate (3.6%) is significantly higher than other major sporting nations like China or the U.S.
The Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB-G RAM G), 2025, has replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Critics argue this marks a shift from a 'demand-driven' right to a 'command-driven' centrally sponsored model. The new Act changes the funding ratio from 90:10 to 60:40 (Centre:State) for some states and removes the Union government's obligation to pay compensation for wage delays. While it claims to provide 125 days of employment, concerns remain regarding funding adequacy and the loss of local autonomy for panchayat institutions.
- VB-G RAM G Act, 2025 replaces the MGNREGA framework as the primary rural job guarantee scheme.
- The funding pattern for several states has been altered from 90:10 to a 60:40 Centre-State ratio.
- The new Act removes the central government's legal obligation to pay for wage delay compensation.
The Right to Disconnect Bill, introduced as a private member's bill, seeks to address the blurring lines between work and personal life in the digital age. It proposes that employees have the right to ignore work-related communication outside prescribed working hours. The bill draws inspiration from European jurisdictions like France and Germany. However, critics point out ambiguities regarding the definition of 'work' in a digital economy and how it integrates with existing labor codes like the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020. It also touches upon Article 21 (Right to Life and Liberty).
- The bill proposes a legal right for employees to disconnect from work communications after prescribed hours.
- It is linked to the constitutional right to individual autonomy and the Right to Life under Article 21.
- Current Indian labor laws lack a clear definition of 'work' in the context of a digital economy.
A Supreme Court Bench has reframed Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as an enforceable constitutional and legal obligation rather than a discretionary act. The judgment links CSR to Article 51A(g) of the Constitution, stating that corporations, as legal persons, share the duty to protect the environment. This ruling strengthens the legal basis for demanding corporate financing for projects to recover species endangered by corporate activities, specifically the Great Indian Bustard. The Court's order aims to balance renewable energy infrastructure development with the protection of critical habitats through the undergrounding of power lines.
- CSR is now viewed as an enforceable constitutional obligation under Article 51A(g) rather than charity.
- The ruling specifically addresses the protection of the Great Indian Bustard from power infrastructure risks.
- Corporations are recognized as legal persons with shared duties toward environmental protection measures.
Beijing successfully reduced PM2.5 levels by over 50% between 2013 and 2021 through a 'top-down' approach involving coherent policy, strict enforcement, and regional coordination. In contrast, India's efforts, like the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), are often reactive and fragmented across multiple agencies. China's 'airshed' strategy for the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region ensured transboundary regulation. India can learn by shifting from episodic responses to a long-term mission-oriented strategy, accelerating clean energy transitions, and strengthening the implementation of existing laws like the Air Act, 1981, and the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
- Beijing's PM2.5 levels dropped significantly from 102 µg/m³ in 2013 to 31 µg/m³ in 2024 due to coordinated regional action.
- China utilized an 'airshed' strategy for regional coordination, which India currently lacks for the Delhi-NCR region.
- India's regulatory framework is fragmented, with interventions often limited to 'pollution peaks' rather than long-term planning.
The winter session of Parliament concluded after 15 sittings, marked by the 150th anniversary of the national song, Vande Mataram. Ten Bills were introduced and eight were passed, including significant legislation allowing 100% FDI in the insurance sector and facilitating private investment in nuclear power by reducing supplier liability. The session also saw the passage of the VB-G RAM G Bill. While the session was less acrimonious than previous ones, debates occurred regarding electoral reforms and the naming of Bills in Hindi, which caused concern among representatives from non-Hindi speaking regions.
- The session commemorated the 150th anniversary of the national song, Vande Mataram, through various discussions.
- Significant legislative changes include allowing 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the insurance sector via the 'Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha' Bill.
- Parliament facilitated private sector investment in nuclear power by reducing the liability of suppliers.
President Droupadi Murmu has given assent to the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, which replaces the MGNREGA. The new Act increases guaranteed work days from 100 to 125. It focuses on four key areas: water security, core rural infrastructure, livelihood-related infrastructure, and extreme weather mitigation. The funding model shifts to a 60:40 ratio between the Centre and States for administrative costs, compared to the previous 90:10 ratio under MGNREGA. The government has reserved ₹1,51,282 crore for the scheme's comprehensive development of villages.
- The VB-G RAM G Bill officially replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
- Guaranteed days of employment have been increased from 100 to 125 days per year for rural households.
- The funding pattern for administrative costs has been revised to a 60:40 ratio, increasing the financial burden on state governments.
The Union Home Ministry has revised guidelines for the 'Support to Poor Prisoners' scheme, launched in 2023, to address inadequate implementation by States. The scheme provides financial assistance to indigent prisoners unable to pay court-imposed fines or bail sureties. The new framework mandates fixed timelines and involves senior officials, including a District-level Empowered Committee. While the scheme aims to reduce prison overcrowding and alleviate hardships, it excludes those accused of heinous crimes, terrorism, or offences under specific acts like PMLA and UAPA. Financial assistance of up to ₹25,000 can be sanctioned per case.
- The 'Support to Poor Prisoners' scheme provides financial aid for fines and bail to indigent inmates.
- A District-level Empowered Committee, including the District Collector and a Judge, oversees the approval process.
- The scheme excludes prisoners accused of heinous crimes, rape, human trafficking, or terrorism.
The Union Tribal Affairs Ministry is developing a national web portal named 'TARANG' to digitize the recognition and management of forest rights. The portal aims to provide a single-window interface for all processes under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006, including filing claims, processing by Gram Sabhas, and issuing digital title deeds. This initiative is part of a larger FRA roadmap expected to be finalized by mid-2026. By digitizing records and geotagging recognized lands, the government hopes to streamline the verification process and ensure the saturation of welfare schemes for tribal communities and forest dwellers.
- The 'TARANG' portal will act as a single-window system for all Forest Rights Act (FRA) processes.
- The portal will facilitate the filing of claims, issuance of digital title deeds, and mapping of potential forest areas.
- The initiative aims to digitize legacy data and geotag all recognized forest rights lands across India.
The Union Home Ministry has decided to significantly enhance the reservation for ex-Agniveers in Group C posts of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) from 10% to 50%. This move follows a previous decision to implement a 10% quota and includes age relaxations of three to five years. The recruitment rules for all CAPFs, including BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, and SSB, will be amended. While ex-Agniveers are exempted from physical tests, they must still pass written examinations. This policy shift aims to provide better career prospects for those completing four years of service under the Agnipath scheme.
- Reservation for ex-Agniveers in Group C posts of CAPFs has been hiked from 10% to 50%.
- Age relaxations of five years for the first batch and three years for subsequent batches will be provided.
- Ex-Agniveers are exempted from the Physical Standard Test and Physical Efficiency Test but must take written exams.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Securities Market Code Bill 2025 in the Lok Sabha, which seeks to consolidate three major laws: the SEBI Act (1992), the SCRA (1956), and the Depositories Act (1996). The Bill aims to provide a modern regulatory framework, rationalize existing provisions, and facilitate the ease of doing business. Key proposals include increasing SEBI board members to 15 and decriminalizing minor technical violations, replacing them with civil penalties. The Bill has been referred to the Standing Committee on Finance for further review.
- The Bill consolidates the SEBI Act 1992, Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act 1956, and Depositories Act 1996.
- It proposes increasing the number of SEBI members from nine to 15, including the Chairperson.
- Minor and procedural violations will be decriminalized and shifted to a civil penalty framework.
The central government's proposed 'Viksit Bharat-G RAM G Bill 2025' seeks to overhaul the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Critics argue the Bill undermines Article 41 of the Constitution, which mandates the State to ensure the right to work. Key concerns include the shift from demand-driven to 'normative financial allocations,' increased centralization, and the prohibition of work during peak agricultural seasons. Opponents claim these changes will reduce the bargaining power of rural workers and disproportionately affect women and marginalized communities.
- The proposed Bill moves MGNREGA from a demand-driven model to one based on fixed central allocations.
- Article 41 of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) emphasizes the State's duty to provide the right to work.
- The Bill prohibits MGNREGA work during peak agricultural seasons, which critics say favors large landowners over laborers.
The Rajya Sabha passed the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill, which allows 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the insurance sector. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that this move would attract more foreign capital, especially where domestic joint venture partners are unavailable. The Bill also allows for the merger of non-insurance and insurance companies and mandates data collection in compliance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act. Additionally, the House passed the Repealing and Amending Bill, which annuls 71 obsolete laws, including the Indian Tramways Act, 1886, to improve the ease of doing business.
- The Bill increases the FDI limit in the insurance sector from the previous cap to 100%.
- It aims to increase insurance penetration and competition, potentially lowering premiums for consumers.
- The legislation allows for the merger of different types of insurance entities (life and non-life).
The Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2025, intended to upgrade the 1983 Emigration Act, is facing criticism for prioritizing bureaucratic efficiency over worker rights. Critics argue the Bill removes enforceable rights and fails to address human trafficking or the specific vulnerabilities of women migrants. It replaces the 2021 draft's vision of holding recruitment agencies accountable with a more deregulated framework. The Bill is seen as centralizing power in Delhi, sidelining migrant-sending states like Kerala and Bihar, and lacking provisions for the reintegration of returning workers, potentially leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.
- The Bill replaces the Emigration Act of 1983 but is criticized as a 'Trojan horse of deregulation.'
- It removes many of the legal safeguards for migrant workers that were proposed in the 2021 draft Bill.
- The legislation centralizes control, potentially ignoring the specific needs and experiences of major migrant-sending states.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is conducting a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to address challenges posed by large-scale migration. Migration often leads to individuals being registered in multiple locations or losing their vote in their place of origin. The ECI's initiative, starting with Bihar, aims to clean up voter lists and ensure 'one person, one vote.' This comes as international migration has doubled in three decades, reaching 300 million by mid-2024. The article also discusses the political implications of changing demographics in cities like Mumbai and the impact of nativist politics on national policies.
- The ECI's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) aims to eliminate duplicate entries in electoral rolls caused by migration.
- International migration has grown significantly, with the number of people living outside their country of birth doubling since 1990.
- Internal migration in India is reshaping urban politics, leading to the rise of nativist movements in states like Maharashtra.
The Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VB-GRAM G Bill, was tabled in the Lok Sabha to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The Bill changes the scheme's character from a demand-based to a supply-driven framework with capped allocations. A significant shift is the funding pattern, moving from the Centre bearing the full cost of unskilled wages to a 60:40 sharing ratio between the Centre and States. Critics argue this undermines the special status of the scheme and places a heavy financial burden on states already struggling with GST restructuring.
- The VB-GRAM G Bill transforms MGNREGS from a demand-based legal guarantee to a supply-driven scheme.
- Funding for unskilled manual labor wages will shift from 100% Central funding to a 60:40 Centre-State split.
- The Union government becomes the sole decision-maker, potentially reducing the development space for States.