Business Journalism

THE BHOPAL GAS
The Bhopal disaster was an industrial disaster that occurred in Bhopal resulting in the
death of about 3,000 people according to the Indian Supreme Court. However,
testimonies from doctors who provided medical assistance during the tragedy claim over
15,000 were dead in the first month alone.
The incident took place in the early hours of the morning of December 3, 1984. A Union
Carbide subsidiary pesticide plant released 40 tones of methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas,
killing approximately 3,800 people. Bhopal is frequently cited as one of the world's
worst industrial disasters. The International Medical Commission on Bhopal was
established in 1993 to respond to the disasters.
On the morning of December 3, 1984, a holding tank with 43 tones of stored MIC from
the Union Carbide factory, overheated and released toxic MIC gas mixture, which, being
heavier than air rolled along the ground through the surrounding streets. The
transportation system in the city collapsed and many people were compressed trying to
escape. According to the Bhopal Medical Appeal, around 5, 00,000 people were exposed
to the leaking gas. Approximately 20,000 to this date are believed to have died as a result;
on average, roughly one person dies every day from the effects. Over 120,000 continue
to suffer the effects of the disaster, such as breathing difficulties, cancer, serious birth-
defects, blindness, gynecological complications and other related problems.
Previous warnings and accidents
 Reports by scientists within the Union Carbide Corporation warned of the
possibility of an accident almost identical to that which occurred in Bhopal. The
reports were ignored.
 Union Carbide was warned by American experts who visited the plant after 1981
of the potential of a “runaway reaction” in the MIC storage tank; local Indian
authorities warned the company of problems on several occasions from 1979
onwards. Again, these warnings were not heeded.[5]
 From 1981 five workers were hospitalized in 1982 after a leak of MIC.
Union Carbide’s defense
Now owned by Dow Chemical Company, Union Carbide denies allegations against it on
its website dedicated to the tragedy. The corporation believes that the accident was the
result of interference, claiming that safety systems were in place and operative. It also
stresses that it did all it could to help the victims.
1
The company cites an investigation conducted by the engineering consulting firm which
concluded that a single employee secretly and deliberately introduced a large
amount of water into the MIC tank by removing a meter and connecting a water
pipe directly to the tank through the metering port. Carbide claims such a large
amount of water could not have found its way into the tank by accident, and
safety systems were not designed to deal with intentional damage.
Union Carbide has never publicly named or identified the employee it claims sabotaged
its Bhopal plant or attempted to prosecute.
Safety and equipment issues

The corporation denies the claim that the valves on the tank were malfunctioning,
Carbide states that the safety concerns identified in 1982 had anything to do with the
incident. The company admits that “the safety systems in place could not have
prevented a chemical reaction of the incident”. Instead, they believe that “it was
employee interference and not faulty design or operation was the cause of the
tragedy”.
Response
The company stresses the “immediate action” taken after the disaster and their continued
commitment to helping the victims. On December 4th, the day following the leak, Union
Carbide sent material aid and several international medical experts to assist the medical
facilities in Bhopal.
Carbide put $2 million into the Indian Prime Minister’s immediate disaster relief fund on
11th December 1984.[13] The corporation established the Employees' Bhopal Relief Fund
in February 1985, which raised more than $5 million for immediate relief.[
ENVIRONMENT
Environment: Total sum of living and nonliving components, influences and events
surrounding an organism. It includes:
i) Abiotic or physical milieu including geographic location, terrain, climatic conditions,
land, water, atmosphere;
ii) Biotic or organic milieu including plants, animals, bacteria, virus and other organic
matter
Environmental Degradation: Act or process of devaluing of and damage to the

environment by natural or anthropogenic causes; in other words, rendering the
environment a less conducive habitat for the living world due to excessive intervention of
man.- 4 major areas of concern are: Damage to marine environment; ozone depletion;
Smog and air pollution; Vanishing forests or deforestation.
Causes and effects of Environmental Degradation (MUST Elaborate each point)
2
Affluence produces effluence-Advancing technology, culture of materialism with
increasing numbers is threatening to destroy earth’s biosphere.
Causes:
1. Growing population
2. Rapid urbanization
3. Industrialization - Examples: Effluents in Yamuna in Delhi, tanneries in Vellore,
Dyes and chemicals in Gujarat, ship breaking in Alang
4. Market forces leading to exploitation of resources
5. Growth of consumerism and lack of sensitivity to nature
6. Over exploitation and haphazard use of the environment
7. Technology including transport
8. Deforestation
9. Desertification
10. Depletion of water resources and fisheries
11. Overgrazing
12. Agricultural practices: Intensive farming, over irrigation, chemical fertilizers and
loss of soil quality
13. Industrial negligence(Bhopal gas tragedy, untreated effluents)
14. Pollution –air, noise, land, water
15. Some times due to govt policies-e-g Subsidies for irrigation in India has resulted
in over irrigation, salinity
Effects:
1. Global warming-Green house effect
2. Ozone depletion
3. Toxic elements in air, water
4. Smog
5. Diminishing human immunity
6. Cost to health of humans (Respiratory problems, eye , hearing problems), plants
and animals
7. Contamination of water leading to damage to aquatic, plant an human life, water
borne diseases
8. Agricultural land slowly turns into wasteland
Pollution
Undesirable or detrimental change in a natural system or unfavorable alteration of
our surrounding through direct or indirect effects of changes in the energy
patterns, radiation levels, chemical and physical constitution and overpopulation
of organisms. Causes are mostly man-made or anthropogenic- Pollution affects
humans directly as well as indirectly.
Characteristics of pollution:
Natural and artificial
Long distance
Persistent and long lasting
Biological concentration
3
Air pollution: Agents; Sulphur oxides, carbon oxides, hydrocarbons, particulate matter
Green House Effect: A natural phenomenon that traps sun’s radiation within the earth’s
atmosphere- Higher concentration of Green House gases means warmer climate
Green House Gases:

Carbon di Oxide: (Greatest impact- due to deforestation and burning of fossil
fuel- Level increased 27 times since mid 18th century
,
Nitrous oxide; because of fertilizer use and chemical production such as nylon
CFC and halons: CFC from Refrigerators, aerosol sprays, air conditioners and
latter in fire fighting equipment
Methane: when bacteria have access to organic matter-rice/paddy fields, swamps,

garbage dumps, landfills- Increased 100% since 1765,
Ozone: consisting of 3 atoms of Oxygen-Shields earth from sun’s UV rays

-Sunlight reacting with automobile emissions and water vapor causes its
depletion. - Major component of smog- Has a high rate of breakdown- CFCs have
caused hole in ozone over Antarctica
Anthropogenic greenhouse gases are increasing global average temperatures.
Acid rain: deposition on earth of the dilute solutions of acids (sulphuric and nitric) with
rainfall. Sulphuric is from coal and oil used in industry, smelting. Nitric is from
automobile exhaust, chemical fertilizer factories)-Acid deposition often turns up days
later and 100s of Kms from the source of emission
Ozone Depletion: Ozone layer lies mostly in the stratosphere, 12-15 kms above the
earth’s surface. It protects plants and animals from much of sun’s harmful ultraviolet
radiation by filtering-This protective layer has depleted and a hole caused over Antarctica
because of CFCs and halons.
Kyoto protocol:
Legally binds nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions- came into force on Feb 6,
2005- Cuts are not uniform-US and Australia did not sign as Bush said it would damage
American economy; Major industrializing economies like India and China were not
covered by its provisions until 2012, the logic being that developing nations should not
be made to pay a price for late industrialization- Countries can buy “emission credits”
(earned by reducing emissions below the mandated levels) from countries that do not
need them to stay below their emission quotas .There is a provision for CDM which
encourages investment in developing countries for promoting transfer of environment-
friendly technologies.
4
Global warming: Also known as green house effect. Sunlight enters earth’s atmosphere
and after hitting the earth, gets radiated back into the atmosphere and is absorbed by
certain gases. This heats the atmosphere and warms the earth’s surface. In normal process
this is essential for life on earth, but today there is an increase in the greenhouse gases
due to a no. of factors(such as deforestation, chemical and nuclear wastes etc- see
elsewhere)This increase in atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases has serious
implications on surface warming and climatic change (See below)
Implications of Global warming: Current Scenario: The UN Intergovernmental Panel

on Climate Change (IPCC) in its recent report(2005) says that world has become warmer.
Acc to it, average global surface temperature has risen by 0.6 degrees C since 1900 with
much of that rise coming in the 1990s which is probably the warmest decade in 1000
years.(The 6 warmest years in global temperature are: 1995, 1990, 1991, 1994, 1988,
1983- these years saw fires in Yellow stone National park, flooding in Bangladesh, record
number of hurricanes, drought in south east US)).The IPCC also found that the snow
cover has decreased by 10% since 1960s and lake and rivers in the Northern hemisphere
are frozen over about 2 weeks less each year than they were earlier. Mountain glaciers in
non-polar regions have also seen a notable retreat in the 20th century. Average sea level
has risen between 0.1 to 0.2 metres since 1900..Antrcica’s largest glacier has lost 45
meters in the last decade and ice shelves have disintegrated.
Future: Experts predict wetter monsoons in subtropics,, more floods ,intense winter
snows, storms, heat waves and droughts.; 1.4 to 5.8 degrees rise in global surface
temperature over the next 100 years. Decrease in sea ice, rise in sea level will lead to
coastal erosion, loss of beaches, increase salinity in rivers, animal extinction,
disappearance of low lying areas like Bangladesh, Florida, Maldives.( 1 degree rise in
temperature is calculated to increase sea level by 10-20 cm) Other studies are even more
ominous: World Wildlife Fund predicts polar ice melting in summer as early as in 20
years with polar bears being pushed close to extinction.
Sustainable Development:
1987- Brundtland Commission or UN commission on Environment and Development

(UNED)-“ That development which meets the needs of the present generation without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their requirements”- Balance
between exploitation and conservation: 5 principles:
 Ecological harmony: (man and hi surroundings- humans, oceans, forests, wild

life, habitat, biodiversity)
 Maximum ecological efficiency: (Judicious exploitation of minerals and other non
renewable resources, increased use of renewable energy, biodegradable waste)
 Conservation of natural resources: (developmental process can be disastrous-
Industries, urbanization, deforestation, over exploitation of resources, large dams
leading to flooding)
 Local self- reliance: (Use of local resources to satisfy local needs using
decentralized local plans- an idea propounded by Schumacher in his landmark
book ‘Small is Beautiful’)
5
 Equity with social justice; Extending fruits of development to all people-
development often leads to displacement, destroys markets for indigenous
products,
Sustainable development would mean undertaking developmental activities and
projects, which would work in close harmony with Nature and without disrupting
local social system now and in future. In order to be sustainable development has to
improve the well being of societies, enable every one to participate in the
developmental process and the benefits of development should be shared by all
people and all countries. Besides, improvements in human well being should be
extended over many generations.The future generations also have the same claim on
the fruits of development as well as the earth’s resources as the current one does as
this earth is our common heritage.
Criticisms/ Problems/ Issues with SD:

 The term is self contradictory as all development requires consumption
 There are limits set by natural resource availability to the process of
development and so there can be no sustainable development
 North-South divide
 Who should bear the cost of SD?
 Disproportionate burden on less developed countries
 Technological availability, transferability and economic feasibility of SD
 Ethics of preventing Less Developed Countries (LDCs) from the
developmental course while the west itself developed unmindful of
sustainability question
 The problem is not the LDCs’ over population but over-consumption of the
North- in terms of energy use (transport, for example), paying no heed to
renewable resources and non polluting technology, consumerism, waste
produced, habit of throwing away products without recycling or reusing ,
 Smokescreen for west’s over-consumption
Carrying capacity: An ecology related term, which means the point at which human
use of an ecosystem can reach a maximum without causing degradation. It is the
threshold point of ecological stability. People like Malthus believed in the concept of a
limited carrying capacity but modern technology has continuously expanded the carrying
capacity of our ecosystem.
Examine the impact of Global Warming. (6)

Current Scenario: The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in its
recent report (2005) says that world has become warmer. Acc to it, average global
surface temperature has risen by 0.6 degrees C since 1900 with much of that rise coming
in the 1990s which is probably the warmest decade in 1000 years. (The 6 warmest years
in global temperature are: 1995, 1990, 1991, 1994, 1988, 1983- these years saw fires in
Yellow stone National park, flooding in Bangladesh, record number of hurricanes,
drought in south east US)).
6
The IPCC also found that the snow cover has decreased by 10% since 1960s and lake
Rivers in the Northern hemisphere are frozen over about 2 weeks less each year than they
were earlier.
Mountain glaciers in non-polar regions have also seen a notable retreat in the 20 th
century. Antarctica’s largest glacier has lost 45 meters in the last decade and ice shelves
have disintegrated.
Average sea level has risen between 0.1 to 0.2 meters since 1900.
Future Predictions (if global warming is unchecked):

wetter monsoons in subtropics- more floods- intense winter snow storms, heat waves and
droughts- 1.4 to 5.8 degrees rise in global surface temperature over the next 100 years-
Decrease in sea ice, rise in sea level will lead to coastal erosion, loss of beaches, increase
salinity in rivers, disappearance of low lying areas like Bangladesh, Florida, Maldives. (1
degree rise in temperature is calculated to increase sea level by 10-20 cm) -animal
extinction- World Wildlife Fund predicts polar ice melting in summer as early as in 20
2b) Explain the meaning and significance of sustainable development and bring out
the conflict between development and sustainability. (12)

(UNED) -“That development which meets the needs of the present generation without

products,
7
extended over many generations. The future generations also have the same claim on

Smokescreen for west’s over-consumption
ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALISM IS A COLLECTION

Environmental journalism is the collection, verification, production, distribution
and exhibition of information regarding current events, trends, issues and people
that are associated with the non-human world with which humans necessarily
interact. To be an environmental journalist, one must have an understanding of
scientific language and practice, knowledge of historical environmental events, the
ability to keep abreast of environmental policy decisions and the work of
environmental organizations, a general understanding of current environmental
concerns, and the ability to communicate all of that information to the public in
such a way that it can be easily understood, despite its complexity.
Environmental journalism falls within the scope of environmental communication, and its
roots can be traced to nature writing. One key controversy in environmental journalism is
a continuing disagreement over how to distinguish it from its allied genres and
disciplines.
The term “development journalism” is used to refer to two different types of journalism.
The first is a new school of journalism which began to appear in the 1960s. The idea
behind this type of development journalism is similar to investigative reporting, but it
focuses on conditions in developing nations and ways to improve them. The other type
of development journalism involves heavy influence from the government of the
nation involved. While this type of development journalism can be a powerful tool for
local education and empowerment, it can also be a means of suppressing
information and restricting journalists.
8
The first type of development journalism attempts to document the conditions within a
country so that the larger world can understand them. Journalists are encouraged to travel
to remote areas, interact with the citizens of the country, and report back. This type of
development journalism also looks at proposed government projects to improve
conditions in the country, and analyzes whether or not they will be effective. Ultimately,
the journalist may come up with proposed solutions and actions in the piece, suggesting
ways in which they might be implemented. Often, this type of development journalism
encourages a cooperative effort between citizens of the nation and the outside world.
The second type of development journalism can walk a thin line. On the one hand,
government participation in mass media can help get important information spread
throughout the nation. Governments can help to educate their citizens and enlist
cooperation on major development projects. However, a government can also use the idea
of “development” to restrict freedom of speech for journalists. Journalists are told not to
report on certain issues because it will impact the “development” of the nation in
question, and therefore citizens are not actually being given access to the whole picture.
As a tool for social justice, development journalism can be very valuable. By speaking
for those who cannot, a development journalist can inform the rest of the world about
important issues within developing nations. Looking at the strengths and weaknesses of a
country may also help identify ways in which the nation can be helped. This style of
development journalism is a tool for empowerment.
When development journalism is used as a propaganda tool, however, it can become very
dangerous. Many citizens are taught that the news is a reliable and useful source of
information. For example, within a developing nation which has a corrupt government,
journalistic exposes of the government are extremely important for reform. If journalists
are not allowed to write about what is actually going on, the citizens are not well served.
Several international press organizations release reviews every year which look at the
freedom of press in individual nations in an attempt to bring freedom of the press to all
countries for this very reason.
ST. ANDREW’S COLLEGE OF ARTS, SCIENCE & COMMERCE
Dr. Sujata Rao
Dear students,
Here are some guidelines which may be useful for all your papers.
 Don’t start your answer until you have fully understood the question. Read and re-
read questions, paying attention to the wording.
 Answer to the point. Tailor the matter you know to answer the question. Don’t
write all that you know on the topic.
 Get your facts right. Don’t give conclusions /arguments without factual backing.
 Use paragraphs- one paragraph for one idea or point. Each paragraph should be
worked around one idea and the next idea should logically follow in the next
paragraph.
9
 Use bullets and numbering to highlight points. Bullets/ point numbers should be
INSIDE the margin and be distinguishable from question numbers. (Don’t number
every sentence).
 Leave enough margin space for examiner.
 Avoid long-winding introductions.
 Answer all subsections of a question together (Especially Q1) and number them
clearly. no rhetoric, exclamations
 Language should be neutral. No emotion, or counter-questions.
 Don’t get personal in your answers: Don’t say “I feel”’, “I think” etc; instead say,
“Some people argue that…..’
 Write plain prose.
 Don’t use abbreviations (such as ‘coz),
 Don’t underline every other word: highlight only the side headings.
 Not to use any colour other than blue or black for writing as using other colours is
considered a malpractice.
 Don’t write anything on the question paper.
 Each question is a stand-alone question. Don’t say things like ”As discussed
earlier…” etc.
Sleep well, eat healthy and have some outdoor physical activity while you prepare for
your exams. And, trust in yourself and God.
Wishing all of you the very Best in your exams and a bright future,
Sujatha Rao
CONTEMPORARY ISSUES
Dr. Sujata Rao, St. Andrew’s
Paper Pattern, 2005 (Valid thro’ 2007)
Total Marks: 50
Time: 2 hours
 Q1 is Compulsory- 7 out of 10: 2 marks each (7*2=14marks)

 3 out of question Nos 2 to 5: 12 marks each.- Internal choice for each Question
(3*12=36 Marks)
Q1: Compulsory Concepts, Definitions-in about 3- 4 sentences -From anywhere.

Learn key words, names of people/ places/ organizations/ Meanings
Q2 –A or Q2-B: Topic 1, 4, and 3/6 of Topic 5)
10
Q3-A or Q3-B: Topics 2, 6, and 7
Q4-A or Q4-B: topics 5, 8, and 9
Q5 (Short notes): 2 out of 4: From anywhere
Here are some ADDITIONAL Indicative answers for Contemporary Issues, based on
some of the previous question papers. MUST STILL SUPPLEMENT with class notes/
Xeroxes)
“The World is without Borders”-Discuss in the context of environment (6)
1972: Lester Brown’s book: World without Borders

2000: Hillary French: Vanishing Borders
Environmental issues don’t respect or can be defined in terms of man-made political
borders but have universal implications
Biodiversity is common heritage. If a few countries are irresponsible, all countries will
bear the consequences
Environmental Problems are global,
Causes emanate from across the globe: chemical pollutants travel across continents;
international trade in timber, minerals and rare species and tourism have resulted in
environmental deterioration for entire globe
Effects are global: global warming, floods, deforestation, climate change, ozone
depletion
Solutions need to be global: UNEP; UN Conferences such as Rio, Kyoto etc.
Environment: Total sum of living and nonliving components, influences and events
surrounding an organism. It includes:
i) Abiotic or physical milieu including geographic location, terrain, climatic conditions,
land, water, atmosphere;
ii) Biotic or organic milieu including plants, animals, bacteria, virus and other organic
matter
Environmental Degradation: Act or process of devaluing of and damage to the

environment a less conducive habitat for the living world due to excessive intervention of
man.- 4 major areas of concern are: Damage to marine environment; ozone depletion;
Smog and air pollution; Vanishing forests or deforestation.
Causes and effects of Environmental Degradation (MUST Elaborate each point)
11
Affluence produces effluence-Advancing technology, culture of materialism with
increasing numbers is threatening to destroy earth’s biosphere.
Causes:
16. Growing population
17. Rapid urbanization
18. Industrialisation - Examples: Effluents in Yamuna in Delhi, tanneries in Vellore,
Dyes and chemicals in Gujarat, ship breaking in Alang
19. Market forces leading to exploitation of resources
20. Growth of consumerism and lack of sensitivity to nature
21. Over exploitation and haphazard use of the environment
22. Technology including tranport
23. Deforestation
24. Desertification
25. Depletion of water resources and fisheries
26. Overgrazing
27. Agricultural practices: Intensive farming, over irrigation, chemical fertilizers and
loss of soil quality
28. Industrial negligence(Bhopal gas tragedy, untreated effluents)
29. Pollution –air, noise, land, water
30. Some times due to govt policies-e-g Subsidies for irrigation in India has resulted
in over irrigation, salinity
Effects:
9. Global warming-Green house effect
10. Ozone depletion
11. Toxic elements in air, water
12. Smog
13. Diminishing human immunity
14. Cost to health of humans (Respiratory problems, eye , hearing problems), plants
and animals
15. Contamination of water leading to damage to aquatic, plant an human life, water
borne diseases
16. Agricultural land slowly turns into wasteland
Pollution
Undesirable or detrimental change in a natural system or unfavorable alteration of
our surrounding through direct or indirect effects of changes in the energy
patterns, radiation levels, chemical and physical constitution and overpopulation
of organisms. Causes are mostly man-made or anthropogenic- Pollution affects
humans directly as well as indirectly.
Characteristics of pollution:
Natural and artificial
Long distance
Persistent and long lasting
Biological concentration
12
Air pollution: Agents; Sulphur oxides, carbon oxides, hydrocarbons, particulate matter
Green House Effect: A natural phenomenon that traps sun’s radiation within the earth’s
atmosphere- Higher concentration of Green House gases means warmer climate
Green House Gases:

Carbon di Oxide: ( Greatest impact- due to deforestation and burning of fossil
fuel- Level increased 27 times since mid 18th century
Nitrous oxide; because of fertilizer use and chemical production such as nylon
CFC and halons: CFC from Refrigerators, aerosol sprays, air conditioners and
latter in fire fighting equipment
Methane: when bacteria have accesss to organic matter-rice/paddy fields,

swamps, garbage dumps, landfills- Increased 100% since 1765,
Ozone: consisting of 3 atoms of Oxygen-Shields earth from sun’s UV rays

-Sunlight reacting with automobile emissions and water vapour causes its
depletion.-- Major component of smog- Has a high rate of breakdown- CFCs have
caused hole in ozone over Antarctica
Anthropogenic greenhouse gases are increasing global average temperatures.
Acid rain: deposition on earth of the dilute solutions of acids (sulphuric and nitric) with
rainfall. Sulphuric is from coal and oil used in industry, smelting. Nitric is from
automobile exhaust, chemical fertilizer factories)-Acid deposition often turns up days
later and 100s of Kms from the source of emission
Ozone Depletion: Ozone layer lies mostly in the stratosphere, 12-15 kms above the
earth’s surface. It protects plants and animals from much of sun’s harmful ultraviolet
radiation by filtering-This protective layer has depleted and a hole caused over Antarctica
because of CFCs and halons.
Kyoto protocol:
Legally binds nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions- came into force on Feb 6,
2005- Cuts are not uniform-US and Australia did not sign as Bush said it would damage
American economy; Major industrializing economies like India and China were not
covered by its provisions until 2012, the logic being that developing nations should not
be made to pay a price for late industrialization- Countries can buy “emission credits”
(earned by reducing emissions below the mandated levels) from countries that do not
need them to stay below their emission quotas .There is a provision for CDM which
encourages investment in developing countries for promoting transfer of environment-
friendly technologies.
13
Global warming: Also known as green house effect. Sunlight enters earth’s atmosphere
and after hitting the earth, gets radiated back into the atmosphere and is absorbed by
certain gases. This heats the atmosphere and warms the earth’s surface. In normal process
this is essential for life on earth, but today there is an increase in the greenhouse gases
due to a no. of factors(such as deforestation, chemical and nuclear wastes etc- see
elsewhere)This increase in atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases has serious
implications on surface warming and climatic change (See below)
Implications of Global warming: Current Scenario: The UN Intergovernmental Panel

on Climate Change (IPCC) in its recent report(2005) says that world has become warmer.
Acc to it, average global surface temperature has risen by 0.6 degrees C since 1900 with
much of that rise coming in the 1990s which is probably the warmest decade in 1000
years.(The 6 warmest years in global temperature are: 1995, 1990, 1991, 1994, 1988,
1983- these years saw fires in Yellow stone National park, flooding in Bangladesh, record
number of hurricanes, drought in south east US)).The IPCC also found that the snow
cover has decreased by 10% since 1960s and lake and rivers in the Northern hemisphere
are frozen over about 2 weeks less each year than they were earlier. Mountain glaciers in
non-polar regions have also seen a notable retreat in the 20th century. Average sea level
has risen between 0.1 to 0.2 metres since 1900..Antrcica’s largest glacier has lost 45
meters in the last decade and ice shelves have disintegrated.
Future: Experts predict wetter monsoons in subtropics,, more floods ,intense winter
snows, storms, heat waves and droughts.; 1.4 to 5.8 degrees rise in global surface
temperature over the next 100 years. Decrease in sea ice, rise in sea level will lead to
coastal erosion, loss of beaches, increase salinity in rivers, animal extinction,
disappearance of low lying areas like Bangladesh, Florida, Maldives.( 1 degree rise in
temperature is calculated to increase sea level by 10-20 cm) Other studies are even more
ominous: World Wildlife Fund predicts polar ice melting in summer as early as in 20


14
products,

 Smokescreen for west’s over-consumption
Carrying capacity: An ecology related term, which means the point at which human
use of an ecosystem can reach a maximum without causing degradation. It is the
threshold point of ecological stability. People like Malthus believed in the concept of a
limited carrying capacity but modern technology has continuously expanded the carrying
capacity of our ecosystem.
Examine the impact of Global Warming. (6)

Current Scenario: The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in its
recent report (2005) says that world has become warmer. Acc to it, average global
surface temperature has risen by 0.6 degrees C since 1900 with much of that rise coming
in the 1990s which is probably the warmest decade in 1000 years.(The 6 warmest years in
global temperature are: 1995, 1990, 1991, 1994, 1988, 1983- these years saw fires in
Yellow stone National park, flooding in Bangladesh, record number of hurricanes,
drought in south east US)).
15
The IPCC also found that the snow cover has decreased by 10% since 1960s and lake
Rivers in the Northern hemisphere are frozen over about 2 weeks less each year than they
were earlier.
Mountain glaciers in non-polar regions have also seen a notable retreat in the 20 th
century. Antarctica’s largest glacier has lost 45 meters in the last decade and ice shelves
have disintegrated.
Average sea level has risen between 0.1 to 0.2 meters since 1900.
Future Predictions (if global warming is unchecked):

wetter monsoons in subtropics- more floods- intense winter snow storms, heat waves and
droughts- 1.4 to 5.8 degrees rise in global surface temperature over the next 100 years-
Decrease in sea ice, rise in sea level will lead to coastal erosion, loss of beaches, increase
salinity in rivers, disappearance of low lying areas like Bangladesh, Florida, Maldives. (1
degree rise in temperature is calculated to increase sea level by 10-20 cm) -animal
extinction- World Wildlife Fund predicts polar ice melting in summer as early as in 20
2b) Explain the meaning and significance of sustainable development and bring out
the conflict between development and sustainability. (12)


products,
16

Smokescreen for west’s over-consumption
3(a) (i) Discuss the nature/ characteristics of human rights

Definition: “Those conditions of social life without which no human being can seek in
general to be himself at his best”-Harold Laski in the Grammar of Politics
Those moral rights which are owed to each man and woman solely by reason of being
human.
MUST See xeroxes from Bhagwat for more on the nature of HR and then add the
following:
Universal: Human Rights are “rights of all people at all times and in all situations”
according to Maurice Cranson- Pertains to all people at all times simply because they are
human beings- Govts are not entitled to apply HR as they think fit
- Not conferred on anyone but inherent
Not dependent on any authority or legal system to exist
Individual: HRs are the rights of individuals to meet the needs and purposes of
individuals.
Paramountcy: Something of which no one can be deprived of without grave affront to

justice- Inalienable- Minimum strong moral rights of which no man or woman can be
deprived by govt or society whether by arbitrary fiat or by law
Practicability: HR claims can obviously never be made to what is physically impossible

(e-g to live for ever)
17
Enforceability: By the International community
Basic, fundamental and natural.- Derived from principle of natural law- moral and
universal- Not earned or acquired on the basis of special positions or specific contracts
Importance of RTI as a significant step in ensuring accountability(Also see

elsewhere in the part on accountability)
Gives access to info- Citizens have a right to ask for and get information and access
official records -State can be held accountable to people in a number of ways - Gives
citizens the right to get info on rules, expenditures undertaken, funds available under
different schemes, contracts given, muster rolls of public works undertaken by
Panchayats, reasons for taking decisions, copies of govt orders, audit reports, agreements
etc-Most activities of govt can be monitored by citizens.
Pins responsibility on particular official who can be held personally accountable for
certain decisions and lapses.
Promotes transparency and reduces corruption by pinning down responsibility on the
concerned official who has to furnish the info within stipulated time.
Can be used by any citizen- At minimal cost- makes govt alert
Ordinary citizen is entitled to seek info which had hitherto been demanded only by MPs
and MLAs on the floor of the house
Reduces corruption- Impacts policy decisions - Empowers citizens to question or correct

lapses and wrongs
Ensures better governance and converts purely electoral democracy into a truly
participatory democracy in which elected govt is accountable to the electorate.
5(a) Right to self determination
Self-Determination : Consists of the legal and political processes and structures through
which people gain and maintain control over their culture, society and economy. -
Principle embodied in the UN Charter and in both the ICCPR and ICESCR.
Common Article 1(1) of these covenants provides that “All people have the right of
SD. By virtue of that right, they freely determine their political status and freely
pursue their economic, social and cultural development”
The UN supported the independence of overseas colonies in Africa, Asia and elsewhere
on the basis of this principle but when countries gained independence from their overseas
colonial rulers, they refused the RSD to people in their own territories by citing the Salt
water test.
18
.
No international legal definition of people who are entitled to RSD- the term is
generally used to describe a population which shares the following characteristics: 1) A
common historical tradition; 2 ) Distinctive culture; 3) A shared language; 4) A shared
religion; and 5) A traditional territorial connection.
According to a 1970 UN General Assembly Declaration, implementation of the RSD

need not conflict with the territorial sovereignty or political unity of a state. According to
the Declaration, RSD may take various forms: Forming a federation with an existing
state, integration into an existing state as an autonomous region or any other political
status as freely determined by the people short of secession.
(The right to secede is an option of the last resort, only justified by serious govt violations
of human rights, persistent discrimination and other grave injustices. If an indigenous
people or ethnic minority live in a democratic state that enables them to participate
effectively in the political process and economy and to practice their religion and culture,
then they have a RSD and have no cause to secede.)
Today many indigenous communities throughout the world, such as American Indians
and Australian aborigines are claiming RSD. In India, tribal, linguistic and regional
groups have made such demands. In some cases amicable settlements through negotiation
have been arrived at as in the case of Mizoram and Jharkhand: in others continued
conflicts remain as in the cases of Kashmir, Bodoland and Nagaland
.
Use of repressive laws in Indian democracy(See Xeroxes from Bhagwat)

Repressive laws: Those Acts or ordinances which undermine the fundamental rights of
the citizens -
Since 1950, legislatures have been enacting draconian Laws to deal with law and order
situation in the country- Both Centre and state govts have the right to pass their own laws
Reasons: Defence, foreign affairs, security of the country or the state, maintenance of
public order, maintenance of supplies and services essential to the community.
A few examples with one or 2 lines on each: Preventive Detention Act, 1950
Armed Forces Special powers Act, 1958 which allows governors to declare an areas
“disturbed” – when an area is so declared, armed forces can arrest without warrant, warn
and shoot to kill, enter and search premises without warrant
MISA, 1971; COFEPOSA, 1974; Maintenance of Essential Commodities Act,, NSA,
1980; TADA, 1985; POTA, 2002; MCOCA1999
Leads to violation of personal freedom- Can be misused against political opponents,
media, innocent people
5(d) Homosexual movement

Wide meaning: LSBT –Though large in number and from all over the world and
across professions and educational and social strata and classes, their actual number
is unknown. Social stigma- Continue to be discriminated and persecuted. In response,
a social movement in several countries.
19
First movement founded in Germany in 1897 but homosexuals were crushed by Nazis
– they used the pink triangle as a cherished symbol.
. First homosexual organization in US was founded in Chicago in 1924. In 1950s and
60s, homosexuals got involved in other movements.
The contemporary homosexual movement began in Greenwich village in New
York city on 28 June 1969 when police raided Stonewall inn, a gay bar. The patrons
locked the police inside the bar and rioted and marched through the streets for 3 days
and nights. Gay liberation groups appeared in USA, Canada and Europe.
Coming out of the closet by 1990s and forming organizations in many nations,
Lesbian organizations have also started.
The movement has met with resistance and opposition. In mid 1996 US Supreme
court guaranteed equal rights. Same sex marriages are still controversial. In 1993,
Clinton considered issuing an executive order against gay discrimination. There is a
compromise: ‘Don’t ask, don’t tell’ In some places gay prejudice has led to
violence. Yet the movement continues to spread and seeks to break stereotypes in
over 70 countries. Scandinavian countries and several US states have recognized gay
marriages .
Issues; Religious: church terms it against the will of God / Legal / Freedom of choice:
- human rights issue-Issue of sexual orientation, not one of choice / -persecution and
isolation in gay communities
In India as elsewhere, social ostracism and persecution/ Sec 377 of Indian Penal
Code makes it an unnatural offence punishable with 7 years to life imprisonment,
-Repeal of 377 is a major demand as it discriminates against sexual minorities; comes
in the way of voluntary agencies working in the area of HIV-AIDS. Homosexuals are
a high-risk group but they cannot be educated or helped with information on AIDS
because of 377.
States involved in the NBA.

States involved in the Narmada Bachao Andolan.
 Gujarat
 MP
 Maharashtra
Some civil rights.
 Right to life, Liberty, and security of person
 Legal recognition as a person
 Equality before law
 Prohibition from torture
 Prohibition from degrading treatment
 Prohibition from slavery
 Right to remedy
 Presumption of innocence
 Freedom of speech, conscience
20
Betty Friedan (Born 1921), author of the landmark book, The Feminine Mystique (1963)
died on 6 Feb 2006. Her book sparked a movement for re-evaluation of women’ role in
American society and is widely credited with laying the foundation of modern feminism.
In 1996 she co-founded NOW (National Organisation for Women), a civil rights group
dedicated to achieving equality of opportunity for women. As a president of NOW she led
the campaign to end sex-classified employment notices, or greater representation of
women in govt, for child-care centers for working mothers and legalized abortion.
‘Organised crime’ means work of a group that regulates relations between criminal
enterprises involved in a host of illegal activities- a secret activity that generally evades
law enforcement- Intimidates witnesses and even takes over legitimate businesses –
cartels operate globally- Drugs, smuggling, human trafficking, etc ( Must see notes on
MCOCA for an official definition)
Corruption: Acc to Indian Penal code, any gratification other than legal remuneration as
a motive or reward for showing favour or disfavour to a person, or rendering any service
or disservice. It means accepting illegal gratification and deliberate misuse of one’s
position.
Cooperative corruption: When the corruptor voluntarily offers a bribe to a corrupt
individual to get a favour or service.
In extorted corruption, a corrupt official extracts or forces a citizen to give a bribe in
order to avoid harassment, delay or persecution. The policeman’s ‘Hafta’ collection, the
gangster or slumlord’s ‘fee’, or protection money , speed money paid to govt officials not
to hold up or delay movement of files are all examples of extorted corruption.
Comptroller and Auditor General(CAG) is the head of the Indian audit and accounts
department. He is responsible for compiling the accounts of the Union, all the states and
union territories .He audits all expenditures from the consolidated fund of India. The
report of his audit is presented to president / governor who then presents it to both houses
of parliament/ legislature. His task is to see whether in the union govt and each state and
UT money disbursed was legally available for the purpose it was spent. Appointed by
President of India for 6 years-built-in safeguards to ensure his impartiality-he can be
removed from office only on grounds of proven misbehaviour or incapacity by 2/3
majority of both houses and Not allowed to take up office with centre or states after
retirement.
Right to Development is an inalienable right by virtue of which every human person and
all peoples are entitled to participate in, contribute to and enjoy economic, social,
cultural and political development in which all human rights and fundamental freedoms
can be fully realized. People are active participants and beneficiaries individually and
collectively. It is inalienable as it can’t be bargained away. It means active, free and
21
meaningful participation by all in the process of development and fair distribution of the
benefits of development
1(1)Environmental Degradation: Act or process of devaluing of and damage to the

environment a less conducive habitat for the living world due to excessive intervention
of man.- 4 major areas of concern are: Damage to marine environment; ozone depletion;
Smog and air pollution; Vanishing forests or deforestation
.
1(2) Why is UDHR called universal?
-Adopted by all member countries without any negative vote or dissenting note- Sets
common standard for all human beings and nations
1(3) Briefly indicate what CEDAW deals with.
CEDAW(1979): Convention on Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against

Women;” - Calls upon state parties to condemn discrimination against women and pass
appropriate laws. It also calls for positive discrimination in favour of women to achieve
equality; take appropriate measures for political rights equal to men in terms of right to
vote, represent and participate in Govt.; prevent stereotyping in books, right to work,
social security benefits, prohibit dismissal because of pregnancy or maternity, equal pay
for equal work, right to decide n number and spacing of children.
(Defines discrimination as “any distinction, exclusion or restriction made on the basis of
sex which has the effect or purpose of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment
or exercise by women ….. of human rights and fundamental freedoms in political, social,
civil or any other field”)
1(4) 2 examples of secession

Bangladesh from Pakistan
East Timor from Indonesia
Disintegration of Russia
Chechnya from Russia
Demand for Khalistan
1(5) Major Trade Unions operating in India

AITUC (ALL INDIA TRADE UNION CONGRESS)
INTUC (INDIAN NATIONAL TU CONGRESS)
CITU (CENTRE FOR INDIAN TRADE UNIONS)
BHARATIYA MAZDOOR SABHA
All India bank Employees Association
National Federation for Railway Employees
1(6) Issues highlighted by NBA

Poor and inadequate Rehabilitation
Increase in height of dam leading to loss of livelihood and social networks
22
Displacement: original and then due to increase in height of dam
Large dams and resultant social-human problems
1(7) Hurdles in passing women’s Reservation Bill

Male members of parliament stalling the passing of the Bill in spite of it being introduced
again and again
Caste quotas within women’s quota demanded by some parties
Argument that only those women who have politically powerful husbands/fathers will
benefit “Beevi-Beti brigade”
Argument that only urban educated women will benefit
1(8) Problems faced by tribal movements in India(Must See elsewhere for full text)
Absence of leaders of all-India stature
Geographically Scattered
Lack of cultural and linguistic homogeneity
Politically unorganized and economically weak
1(9) 2 Indian states significantly affected by Naxal activities currently:

Andhra Pradesh
Chhattisgarh
Jharkhand
Orissa
Some backward districts of Maharashtra
1(10 )What is the difference between cooperative and extorted corruption?

Cooperative corruption: When the corruptor voluntarily offers a bribe to a corrupt
individual to get a favour or service.
In extorted corruption, a corrupt official extracts or forces a citizen to give a bribe in
order to avoid harassment, delay or persecution. The policeman’s ‘Hafta’ collection, the
gangster or slumlord’s ‘fee’, or protection money, speed money paid to govt officials not
to hold up or delay movement of files are all examples of extorted corruption.
Additional Notes
Right to Self-Determination
Dr. S. Rao, St. Andrew’s
(MUST elaborate points on the basis of classroom lectures)
What is self determination?

It consists of the political and legal structures through which people gain and
maintain control over their culture, society and economy. It is a principle of
international law, established under Art.55 of UN as well as under International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and International Covenant on
Social, Economic and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).
23
The following conditions can form the basis for a population to seek the
Right to self determination: Shared (or common) historical tradition, ethnic or
cultural distinctiveness, language, religion or traditional territorial connection.
In India tribal, linguistic and regional groups have made such demands. In
some cases amicable settlements through negotiation have been arrived at as in
the case of Mizoram and Jharkhand: in others continued conflicts as in the cases
of Kashmir, Bodoland and Nagaland
Self-Determination consists of the legal and political processes and structures through
which people gain and maintain control over their culture, society and economy. It is
a principle embodied in the UN Charter and in both the ICCPR and ICESCR.
Common Article 1(1) of these covenants provides that “All people have the right of
SD. By virtue of that right, they freely determine their political status and freely
pursue their economic, social and cultural development”
The UN supported the independence of overseas colonies in Africa, Asia and elsewhere
on the basis of this principle. However, according to UN, this right is restricted only to
those countries which are separated by salt water i-e by application of the “salt water
Test” (“Salt water Test “limits the RSD to colonized countries that exist across the oceans
from the colonizing country and thus protects the territorial integrity of existing states.
Although there is no international legal definition of people who are entitled to RSD, the
term is generally used to describe a population which shares the following characteristics:
1) A common historical tradition; 2 )Distinctive culture; 3) A shared language; 4) A
shared religion; and 5) A traditional territorial connection. Today many indigenous
communities throughout the world, such as American Indians and Australian aborigines
are claiming RSD.
According to a 1970 UN General Assembly Declaration, implementation of the RSD

need not conflict with the territorial sovereignty or political unity of a state. According to
the Declaration, RSD may take various forms: Forming a federation with an existing
state, integration into an existing state as an autonomous region or any other political
status as freely determined by the people short of secession.
The right to secede is an option of the last resort, only justified by serious govt violations
of human rights, persistent discrimination and other grave injustices. If an indigenous
people or ethnic minority live in a democratic state that enables them to participate
effectively in the political process and economy and to practice their religion and culture,
then they have a RSD and have no cause to secede.
Examples of secession in recent times:

 Dissolution of Soviet Union,
24
 Chechnya from Russia
 Dissolution of Yugoslavia,
 Separation of East Pakistan from West Pakistan to form Bangladesh,
 Separation of East Timor from Indonesia
 Demand for Khalistan
Examples of Self determination within an existing state are:
 Italy’s five special autonomous regions with extensive local powers defined by
the constitution- Each of these regions has unique “non-Italian” culture, being
dominated by German / French/ Slovene speaking people or have cultural and
historical characteristics that have justified extensive powers being delegated to
regional authorities for decision making;
 Ancestral territory of indigenous people in Panama
 In India tribal, linguistic and regional groups have made such demands. In some
cases amicable settlements through negotiation have been arrived at as in the case
of Mizoram and Jharkhand: in others continued conflicts remain as in the cases of
Kashmir, Bodoland and Nagaland
________________________________________________________________
WORLD WITHOUT BORDERS
Rao, St. Andrew’s College
This earth is our common heritage
1972: Lester Brown’s book: World without Border
2000: Hillary French: vanishing Borders- Protecting the Planet in the Age of
Globalisation
Environmental problems are global; causes emanate from across the globe; effects of
degradation are suffered globally; solutions need to be global
For most history, natural borders such as mountains, oceans, and deserts helped isolate
ecosystems but now these physical barriers no more matter-transport, communication,
international investment for resource extraction, international trade in these- rapid growth
of movement of people, goods and services as well as species and microbes- Ecological
integration- Ecology of Globalisation:
Biodiversity is a common heritage of all nations- habitat loss is universal problem- sea
and marine and coastal environment –over-exploitation is global in nature with global
implications
25
Urbanisation, industrialization and resulting deforestation are global phenomena.
Chemical pollutants travel across continents fuelling acid rain elsewhere-global warming
leads to flooding and submerging across countries.
Polar environment is recognized as one of the important indicators of the planet’s health,
especially with regard to global warming. Condition of the Antarctic ice shelf is an
important factor in studies on climate change and sea level rise.
Nature under siege globally because of trade in timber and minerals- world’s hotspots of
biological diversity are threatened by a surge of international investment in resource
extraction—Even tourism-Role of commercial logging and international trade- Mining
and petroleum industries threaten world’s forests, mountains, waters and other sensitive
eco systems- Huge tracts of land are taken over, displacing local people-destroying
agricultural fields-pollution- toxic by products mixing with water-e-g: Tundra regions of
USA and Russia are threatened by oil exploration; Temperate forests of Chile and New
Zealand and the Amazon tropical forests are threatened by logging; Little heed is paid to
reversing the damage to the planet on account of this process. Industrial countries are the
main consumers of minerals: 100% nickel imports, over 90% of bauxite, 70% to 80% of
zinc, copper, iron and lead imports are accounted for by developed countries while the
bulk of ecological damage and environmental risks in producing them is borne by
developing countries, according to Hillary French.
Globalisation is the accelerating factor in global environmental problems and ecological

damage in all countries-e-g global warming, floods, deforestation, greenhouse gases,
climate change, Ozone depletion all are global in nature - CFCs from any country will
destroy atmosphere everywhere
-
Response to these is also global: International efforts and conventions on ozone
depletion, green house gases
-
UNEP (UN environmental Programme) has accelerated negotiations on several global
environmental issues, Rio(Earth Summit on Climate change and biodiversity)-,
Kyoto( 1997-Set legally binding targets for reduction of greenhouse emissions-
introduced CDM, but the advanced G* countries did not agree- came into force last year)
 International Whaling Convention-1946- 40 parties(countries)-protects whales
 CITES (Convention on International trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and

Flora): 1973-146 parties- (covers trade in monkeys, turtles, live birds, reptiles,
ornamental fish etc);
 UN Convention on Law of the Sea-1982-132 parties –conserving sea life
 Montreal Protocol:1987-172 parties -Phasing out CFCs by developed countries by

1996 and developing countries by 2010 to protect ozone
26
 BASEL Convention: 1989-133 parties -monitoring trans-boundary movement of
hazardous waste- Exporting countries need to notify recipient nations of the
shipment and receive their approval before shipping hazardous waste
 1992: UN framework Convention on Climate Change; target for industrialized

nations to stabilize CO2 emissions at 1990 levels by 2000
 1992: Convention on Biological Diversity-176 parties - to protect all kinds of bio

diversity, including marine.
 The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under Kyoto Protocol lets developed
countries meet their greenhouse gases reduction targets by investing in developing
countries’ clean projects
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY
(MUST elaborate points on the basis of classroom lectures)
Answerability or responsibility or duty on the part of the elected representatives or

government (executive) to citizens.- Unique to democracy because it is for, of, and
by the people.
Aspects:
Constitutional Accountability- Upholding the supremacy of the constitution as ours is
a constitutional republic.
International Accountability- Honouring treaties and agreements (sovereign
accountability)
Financial Accountability- For revenues raised and money spent as it is public money
meant to be used for collective public use welfare
Political Accountability- Accountable to electorate to deliver electoral promises and
adhere to priorities and time schedules
Legal Accountability- to Parliament –To make and discuss requisite laws, and stand
by the law of the land
Accountability is judged in terms of

 Electoral promises fulfilled
 Use of public funds
 Transparency in decision making
 Promptness and quality of service rendered
 Protection against arbitrary action
 Redressal of grievances of citizens
 Putting in place institutional mechanisms
27
Accountability is operationalised through the following means / democratic devices/
mechanisms:
(Elaborate the following):
 Clear division of power between different wings of govt -checks and balances so
that no wing can misuse power
 Parliamentary committees to look into different issues. Quite often these

committees have members cutting across party lines in order to work impartially.
 Question hour enables elected representative to seek answers .
 In some countries, the right to recall non-performing representatives- a right not

available in India.
 Clarity and transparency of rules and Simplification of procedures so that

discretionary powers of officials is minimized. Every one can understand rules
and insist that rules be adhered to.
 Legislations:
Electoral Laws seeking to clean up the electoral system
RTI Act: (Elaborated separately)
Public Interest Litigation (PIL): any citizen can initiate a PIL even if s/he is not
personally affected- if he thinks that some happening/ event/ rule is against/
injurious to public interest.
Rules against corruption (Elaborated in the Xeroxes on remedies to corruption)
 Monitoring Agencies
CAG (See separate elaboration)
Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC)
An alert judiciary
 Decentralised Governance:
Constitutional Amendments paving way for local self governance and autonomy-
through 73rd Constitutional Amendment Panchayati Raj institutions (or rural local
bodies) and 74th Constitutional Amendment for urban local bodies (or
28
municipalities)-(Benefits: Decision-making at grassroots level, tailoring services
to local needs, less corruption, quicker response to grievances, opening channels
of dialogue between citizens and their representatives at the local level, citizens
are better informed about local leaders and their work)
 Role of Citizens:
Informed, vigilant and involved citizens

Involving Citizens in decision-making:
Direct interaction with citizens, e-governance-information on website (Land
records in AP, MP, Karnataka; Karnataka tenders etc)
 Increasing Vigilance on the part of citizens through the following:
Jan Sunwais or open/ public hearings on use of funds/ accounts and projects
Lok Adalats
ALMs and citizen’s charters
 NGOs
 Role of Media:
(Tehelka, NDTV, Indian Express, CNN-IBN etc)
RIGHT TO INFORMATION (RTI) ACT

Gives citizens the right to get info on rules, expenditures, muster rolls of public works
undertaken by Panchayats, reasons for taking decisions, copies of govt orders, audit
reports, agreements etc-Most activities of govt can be monitored by citizens through RTI
Act- Citizens can file a request for info on paying a nominal charge and info sought has
to be made available within a stipulated time. The official from whom the info is sought
is personally held responsible for providing the info. All the states have to appoint
information officers and at the national level there is a chief Information Officer.
The movement for RTI was successfully spearheaded by committed individuals like
Aruna Roy, who resigned from the IAS to fight againt the opaque Official Secrets Act
and started Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sanghatana in Rajasthan; Anna Hazare an anti-
corruption crusader, who built a model village in Ralegan Shiddi in Maharashtra; Dr.
Jayaprakash Narayan, another IAS officer from AP who started the organisation Lok
Satta
Organisations/ individuals have successfully used RTI:

Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sanghatana (MKSS- led by Aruna Roy) got copies of civil works
in Rajasthan
29
AGNI got details of how corporators spent money in Mumbai
Significance of Right To Information (RTI) Act for citizens:

 An empowering tool in the hands of the citizen: Citizens have a right to ask for
and get information and access official records Gives citizens the power of
enforcing accountability- State can be held accountable to people
 Reducing corruption
 Promotes transparency
 Impacting policy decisions
 Ensuring better governance
 Can be used by any citizen-
 At minimal cost
 Ordinary citizen is entitled to seek info which had hitherto been demanded
only by MPs and MLAs on the floor of the house
 Empowers citizens to question or correct lapses and wrongs
 Strengthens grassroots democracy
 Converts purely electoral democracy into a truly participatory democracy
 Pins responsibility on the concerned official who has to furnish the info
within stipulated time.
Info which can not be sought under RTI: (Exclusion Clauses)

Info the disclosure of which would prejudicially affect sovereignty and integrity of India;
security interest of the State; relations with a foreign state; lead to inciting of an offence;
info which has been expressly forbidden by a court from being published
Limitations:
“Exclusion” clauses
Private sector out of ambit
Bureaucracy is still stuck in the old ways
File notings can’t be accessed as of now
In reality despite promises, many petitioners have been told that their file is “Lost’
Yet an empowering tool in citizens’ hands

Central Information Commissioner: Wajahad Habibullah
What is a social movement and what are its features ? (see class notes)
WOMEN’S MOVEMENT
Dr. Sujatha Rao, St. Andrew’s College
30
History:
Pre independence women’s movements focused on SOCIAL ISSUES e-g sati, widow
remarriage, age at marriage, women’s education-Largely comprised of male reformers
and their vision for the “new” woman.
Women participated in freedom movement at Gandhiji’s behest. All-India Women’s
Congress was the 1st All-India women’s organization set up during this period and
identified itself with mainstream national movement.
Women participated in pre-independence era peasant struggles along with men. 1948-49:
Telengana movement paid attention to issues like wife beating
In Maharashtra’s Dhule District, SHAHADA, a Bhil landless labourers’ movement,

protested against rape by landlords.
After the constitution engraved equality, women’s issues declined in visibility.
1972; Gujarat. SEWA by Ela Bhatt to improve conditions of informal women workers
through training, technical aid and collective bargaining- Gandhian, not militant or
“Feminist” as it felt “feminism” was too radical
1973: Mrinal Gore of Socialist party and Ahilya Ranganekar of CPI-M formed United
Women’s Anti price Rise Front(Rolling pins and metal plates). This eventually became a
movement for consumer protection with housewives being involved.
1975; International Year of Women. 1st Status of Indian Women Report in response
to International Year of Women. Older associations such a YWCA, All India Women’s
Congress (AIWC) National Federation of Women etc were enthused and in turn women’s
movement drew from their organizational experience. Middle class women became
aware- in the beginning feminists opposed association of its members with party politics.
By others,ignored/ denounced as being against Indian tradition.
In response to Committee on the Status of Women Report, GOI adopted a National plan
of Action for Women in 1976; National Perspective Plan for Women(1988-2000) drawn
in 1988; Report on women in informal sector entitled ’Shram Shakti” in 1987; 1990:
Setting up of National Commission for Women.
In the 1990s states starting with the Maharashtra Policy for Women and several political
parties have released policies for women. E-g Telugu Desam’s women’s empowerment
policy document,
University Grants Commission set up Depts of Women: Academic backing and inputs
for women’s Studies- an important segment of women’s movement- Growth of women’s
studies runs parallel to the women’s movement.
Important International Developments:
31
Mid-1970’s also saw an increased international concern.
International Women’s Decade(1975-85) following the Mexico Conference of 1975;
CEDAW;
Beijing Conference in 1995 on “Women, Peace and Development” are milestones.
CEDAW(1979): Convention on Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against

Women;” defines discrimination as “any distinction, exclusion or restriction made o the
basis of sex which has the effect or purpose of impairing or nullifying the recognition,
enjoyment or exercise by women ….. of human rights and fundamental freedoms in
political, social, civil or any other field” and calls upon state parties to condemn
discrimination against women and pas appropriate laws. It also calls for positive
discrimination in favour of women to achieve equality; take appropriate measures for
political rights equal to men in terms of right to vote, represent and participate in Govt.;
prevent stereotyping in books, right to work, social security benefits, prohibit dismissal
because of pregnancy or maternity, equal pay for equal work, right to decide n number
and spacing of children.
Early 1980s: Series of activities e-g production of literature, audio-visuals, slum

improvement, health education
According to the well known feminist scholar Maitreyi Krishnaraj,

Today, grassroots mobilization has been replaced by newsletters and journals. It is felt
that they should be mass organizations among rural and working classes. There is
fragmentation of the movement. Visible broad struggles by women’s movement have
been replaced by niche concentration. Most NGOs have become conduits of delivery
without independent autonomous mobilization of women.
On the whole, sporadic and issue-oriented with differing ideologies.

Initially social reform
Dominated by urban educated
Stress on equality but political rights have not led to social and economic equality
All political parties have women’s wings, local bodies have reservation but
Legal measures are not enough.
Transformation from patriarchal domination to self-determination, societal recognition
within and outside the state framework needed.
Issues:
One of the 1st national level issues was Mathura rape case. Four lawyers wrote to SC
against acquittal of policemen involved in raping Mathura, a young girl in police stn.
Barrage of protests forced govt to amend Evidence Act, Criminal Procedure Code and
Indian Penal Code by introducing provision against custodial rape.
Sex ratio: In recent years, female infanticide and amniocentesis..

1961: 972 per 1000 men; 2001 census; 933 . Situation more worrisome for the 0-6 age
group. From 861 per 1000 it has fallen to 820 in 2001. Some of the prosperous states of
32
North India have abysmally low sex ratio: Haryana has sex ratio of 861 among states,
Delhi: 813; Chandigarh:763
Sati: Incidents of Sati and Sati worship (Roop Kanwar-1986, Deorala, Rajasthan; Charan
Shah, 1999 UP,) led to questioning the link between patriarchy, religion and culture and
demand action. Sati Abolition Act in 1829 and a new Act against sati and its glorification
again passed in 1987. In 2006 an amendment that people encouraging sati will be booked,
not the woman attempting sati …
Violence against women:

Domestic: Female foeticide (aminocentiosis or sex determination tests and selective
abortions), Killing of girl child, Dowry deaths, wife beating, mental and physical abuse
and harassment; marital rape, Glorifying Sati
Public: Eve-teasing, Acid throwing, custodial and other rape, Banwari Devi (Saatin in
Rajasthan who tried to prevent child marriages and got gang-raped in retaliation) case
Verbal and mental abuse are also issues of focus now.
Child Marriage: In Rajasthan Satin Banwari Devi was gang-raped by dominant Gujjars
for strongly opposing child marriage. (Abolished by law)
Sexism in media (Issue-based campaigns against women’s representation in media/ films

and ads and commodification of women).
Legal initiatives: Campaign for gender-sensitive laws and amendments of existing laws
and initiating new ones for gender-just laws with reference to rape, sati, right to
matrimonial home, domestic violence including marital rape and dowry murders, sex
determination tests.
1986- SC’s attempt to give Shah Bano maintenance was opposed by Muslim
fundamentalists and Rajiv Gandhi got the Muslim Women’s Act passed (which curbs
Muslim women’s right to ask for maintenance from divorced husbands) despite
nationwide protests by women. But by 2001, SC ordered alimony for life.
 Uniform Civil Code, Triple talaq (oral divorce), Imrana case
 Hindu women’s right t equal property
 Christian women’s right to divorce
Pro-women Health Activism: Coercive population policy and Govt’s attempts to make
women the focus of family planning. Against high-tech hormonal contraceptives and
injectibles and implants (hazardous to women’s health). In Mumbai, Medico Friends
Circle and VHAI closely worked with women’s organizations to campaign against Depo
Provera
Issues in recent years;
 Negative fallout of globalization on women

 Cross-border trafficking in women
33
 Domestic Violence bill- marital rape
 Sexual harassment at work place
 Women in War and Conflict Zones
 Political representation for Women: Reservation for Women
Political representation for Women: Reservation for Women

India is among the first countries to have a woman Prime Minister, but the country has a
history of allotting only soft portfolios (such as women & Child welfare) to women
ministers. We have never had a woman as External Affairs/ Finance/ Home minister.
But the more disturbing feature is that of inadequate /low political representation-Women
MPs account for 5.9% of Lok Sabha members -
For grassroots level representation, 73rd Constitutional amendment: 33% reservation for
women in Panchayati Raj institutions and 74th Constitutional amendment: 33%
reservation for women in urban local bodies.
81st Amendment Bill drafted 1996 proposing 30% reservation in Lok Sabha and state
Assemblies-
Opposition from male members- Will benefit Beti-Bibi brigade, want caste-based
reservation within the 30% reservation. No consensus after several attempts to introduce
Bill. (see elsewhere for additional info on this)
Movements where women have Taken Initiative:

 Chipko: Women of Garhwal in forefront in saving forests.
 Anti-Arrack in AP
 Vandana Shiva : Environmentalism and against GM foods and WTO
 Medha Patkar: NBA, now also opposing the Tata small car project in Singur ,
West Bengal as it would displace farmers
 Ela Bhatt of Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) organising women
from unorganized sector
 Aruna Roy: Campaigning for Right to Info from rural Rajasthan
Organisations:
 Indian Association for Women’s Studies provides academic inputs.

 NGOs have become important part of Govt’s “delivery” mechanism for
reproductive healthcare, gender training to govt functionaries and Panchayats.
 National Commission for Women- Chairperson since 2005:Dr. Girija Vyas
 Saheli: NGO against dowry
 Savdan, NGO to rescue sex workers
 Manushi magazine(Founder-editor-Madhu Kishwar) was started.1978.
 Kali for Women: Feminist publication-now split into Zubaan under Urvashi
Butalia and Women Unlimited under Ritu Menon
Street Plays (Om Swaha on dowry(1979) and Mulgi Zali Ho –A girl is born(1980))
34
LEGAL AMENDMENTS/BILLS PROPOSED by National commission up to 2005-
2006:
Amendments to:
 Criminal Procedure Code, 1973.
 Indian Penal Code, 1860.
 Indian Evidence Act, 1872.
 Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961.
 Commission of Sati (Prevention) Act, 1987.
 Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.
 Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929.
 Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.
 Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (for elimination of child prostitution and
devising a comprehensive package for rehabilitation).
 Medial Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971.
 Family Courts Act, 1984.
 Foreign Marriage Act, 1969.
 Guardians and Wards Act, 1890.
 Indian Succession Act, 1925.
 Representation of the People Act, 1951. Bills
 The Marriage Bill, 1994.
 The Domestic Violence to Women (Prevention) bill, 1994.
 The Orphan & Destitute Children (Adoption) Bill, 1994.
 The Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 1994 (with reference to child rape).
 The Criminal Laws (Amendment) Ordinance, 1996.
 The Prevention of Barbarous and Beastly cruelty against Women Bill, 1995.
 The Constitution 81st Amendment Bill, 1996.
TRIBAL MOVEMENTS IN INDIA
35
Tribals scattered all over India, form about 7.% of Indian population. Complex picture-
Surajit Sinha of the Centre for the Study of Social Sciences, kolkata in his ‘Tribal
Solidarity Movements in India: A review’ distinguishes the following :
 Series of tribal rebellions during early days of British rule I 18th and 19th
centuries-e-g Birsa movement ,1895-1900 among the Munda tribe; Santal
rebellion , 1857-58.
 Series of reform movements emulating the cultural patterns of higher Hindu

castes: Bhagat movement among the Oraon, Vaishnavaite movement among
Bhumij seeking Rajput recognion through social mobility.
 Emergence of inter-tribe political associations and movements for recognition as

‘tribal’ states within the Indian Union in post-independence period:
Jharkhandmovement among the tribes of Chotanagpur, Hill states movement
among Garo and Khasi tribes in North east
 Violent secessionist movements among tribes located near international frontiers:
Nagaland/Nagalim, Mizo National Front movement, Kukis – geographic
isolation,high levels of literacy, led by educated elite, awareness created by
Chrisianity, historical consciousness of armed conflict with British administration
 Pockets of violent political movements in the tribal belt linked with the general
problem of agrarian unrest: Naxalbri91967), Girijan rebellion in Srikakulam,
AP, 1968-69, Birsa Dal movement in Ranchi(1968-69)
 Scattered isolated tribal pockets asserting their rights a political interest groups
as ‘scheduled tribes’: Santhals and Koras of West Bengal
 Tribals with extensive linkages with surrounding Hindu population and

integrated with the Hindu peasantry that they find it difficult to make common
cause with other Adivasis: Bhumij of Purulia and Singhbhum districts of West
Bengal who aspire for recognition as Rajputs
 Isolated or hitherto isolated tribes who accept their social, cultural, and political
independence as a matter of course and are therefore not involved in any self-
conscious movement to assert solidarity: certain tribes of Andaman and Nicobar
islands
 Tribes which are too isolated , have primitive economic base, lack of literacy and
literate elite- interested in tribal isolation: Jarawa and Onge of Andaman islands
Issues confronting the tribal movement in India.
 Lack of cultural homogeneity: racially heterogeneous, economically weak and

politically unorganized
36
 No national level movement or leaders transcending differences/ each place has a
different though some similar problems
 Political autonomy
 Challenge to traditional lifestyle and cultural identity
 Deforestation due to development and urban encroachment (National forest
Policy, 1988 stipulates that 1/3 of country should be under forest cover)
 Alienation and forcible eviction
 Loss of livelihood and common property rights(Already economically weak)
 Denied access to small forest produce
 Exploitation by non tribals, money lenders and as landless laborers
 Displacement due to dams (Narmada), wildlife sanctuaries, roads, mines and
other developmental projects: (recent revolt in Kalinganagar in Orissa). Though
tribals form 7.85% of Indian population, 40-505 of displaced persons are
tribals.
 Denial of traditional access to small forest products
 Swamping and exploitation by non tribals
 Loss of Common property rights
 Terrorism and subversion in some places
 Terrorised by powerful lobbies in other places
Jharkand/ Chhattisgarh sought and got autonomy- Nagaland fight for greater Nagalim
innumerable tribes scattered all over. No national level movement or leaders/ Each place
a different though similar problems.
ST and Forest Dwellers’ (Recognition of Forest Rights) Bill, 2005 drafted by Ministry
of Tribal affairs tries to correct the ‘historical injustice done to tribals by govts, both
colonial and post-independence through policies which denied them right to the forest
and overexploitation of forests for commercial gains. The Bill recognizes that tribal
alienation leads to extremism and that forest officials have declared as illegal a whole
range of activities which are important to forest-dependent people and these are sought to
be corrected through this legislation
The Bill vests rights of forest lands with the tribals and gives 2.5 ha of forest land to each
nuclear family. The size is meant to just sustain the family and not for commercial
purpose. .Rights of inheritance are not transferable or alienable so as to prevent transfer
away from the tribals. The Bill incorporates the idea that conservation is most effective
when people who depend on a particular resource are made partners in managing that
resource. (e-g forest land).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------.
PEASANT MOVEMENT IN INDIA
Background of Indian agrarian system:
37
Highly feudalistic and exploitative-Intermediaries like Zamindars, Deshmukhs and
Jagirdars- Congruence of social, political and economic disempowerment-Peasants in
India are highly disadvantaged economically, socially and politically.
Broadly represent landless agricultural labour, share croppers, tenants, small and
marginal farmers Attached to and depend on land for livelihood, but not allowed to
own land.(Economically marginalized)-High rents-Mostly scheduled castes and
Tribes, constituting the socially disadvantaged.-
Politically disempowered, as political power is traditionally concentrated in the hands
of the rich from the dominant castes.
Peasant Rights:
 Land to the tiller
 Fight against exploitation by landlords (abolition of intermediaries)
 Reducing landlord’s share in rent
 Setting land records right so that lands are not taken away from illiterate peasants
 Freedom from bonded labour or ‘begar’(Bonded labour Abolition Act 1976)
(Pre1947: This part is only for background understanding)
Mostly unorganized, sporadic, regional:
1. Hyderabad state under Nizam- against taxation-in districts of Karnool,

Anantapur, Bellary
2. Bengal: a) Santhals against Zamindars and British
i. b) 1870: during depression struggle by tenants
3. Maratha peasants in 1875 against money lenders
4. Punjab peasants 1890-1900: revolt against money lenders
5. Champaran-under Gandhi’s leadership-revolt against indigo plantation owners I
1917-18- Satyagraha
6. Kaira and Bardoloi:1928-29:Gandhi and V. Patel
7. Moplah rebellion in Malabar-Muslim agricultural labour against Namboodari
Brahmin landlords-given communal twist by British
8. All India . Kisan Sabha formed in 1935-movement organized-joined national
movement)
Post 1947(Need to know from this onwards):

A militant phase- communists active in some areas
i. Tebhaga (asking for 2/3 produce to tiller)(West Bengal’s Khanpur district), 1946
ii. Telengana in AP-guerilla action(1946-52) Telengana Rashtra Samiti led

Mr.K.Chandrasekhar Rao-now seeking a separate state to fulfill regional
aspirations of the population
iii. Naxalbari in Darjeeling , West Bengal (Initial Phase:1967-71).
38
Guerilla tactics/ Militant- Forceful occupation of land, cutting of standing crop,
attacking/ murdering land owners, burning land records, looting of police stations
and taking away arms and ammunition, Also sheltering injured activists,
maintaining communication channels for underground activists.
Naxal Leaders: Charu Mazumdar, Kanu Sanyal.

Naxal Demands: Social justice, class-less society, redistribution of land among
landless and cultural revolution. It was initially called people’s democratic
movement and many people were executed as they were thought to be “class
enemies” Slowly the movement disintegrated and mutual distrust and ideological
differences began to crop up.
Has spread from West Bengal to backward and poorer tribal districts of several
states including,
AP (People’s War Group with backing of CPI-Maoists),
Orissa
Jharkhand,
Chattisgarh
Maharashtra.
(Reported aim: Naxal corridor across the country with local support .
Now it is active in poor and tribal regions of Gadcharoli and other backward
districts of Maharashtra .
iv. Shetkari sanghatana- Sharad Joshi-Cutting across class, caste lines led by rich
farmers- revolving round the question of incomes, prices, inputs, free or
subsidized electricity/water/fertilizers -rooted in modernization.
v. Bharatiya Kisan Union led by Mahendra Singh Tikait.
The latter 2 movements are more of land owners’ movements and richer farmers have
now become a politically important constituency.
TRADE UNION MOVEMENT IN INDIA
TUs are important for industrial relations as they are the agents of the workers,
organizing a large no. of them into a single entity whose collective bargaining strength
matches that of the employers.(Without them it would be an unequal power relationship
between workers and employers) A responsible TU also monitors employer’s compliance
with govt rules and regulations, increases productivity and reduces work place
indiscipline.
History: Congress- AITUC by Lala Lajpat Rai, 1920; 1929 split- Radical communists
inherit-World war gave fillip
39
Names and parties:
All India Trade Union Congress 1920(Communist)Indian National Trade Union Congress
(Congress, 1947)
Centre For Indian Trade Unions (CITU, 1970, CPI)
Bharatiya MAzdoor Sangh (BJP)
Bharatiya Kamgar Sena( Shiv Sena)
Industry-wise:
All India Bank Employees Association, National federation of Railway Men Employees
Long standing problems:

 Political interference and affiliation,: agenda determined by parties
without regard to workers’ interest and welfare; because sponsored by
political parties leading to fragmentation and rivalry among unions
 Multiplicity of Unions due to politicization, predominance of small unions
 Inter-union rivalry leading to unrest- divide and rule policy of
management- unions working at cross purposes
 Outsiders as leaders e-g Dr. Datta Sawant, -Some times part-time or
honorary leaders pursuing their own interests,
 Character of Indian working class: Lack of awareness on the part of
workers; Caste-regional affiliations of workers coming in the way of
worker unity; migratory nature of workers; lack of education and no
appreciation of the significance of collective bargaining
 Inadequate finances because of workers’ poverty and low subscription;
because of poverty, not possible to sustain a prolonged strike
 Lack of worker participation and vested interest- unions not managed
democratically
 Intimidation by employers; now lock-outs, closures and dismissals more
common than strikes
 Contractors in many sectors like plantation, mining and certain industries;
 Role of Government; Weak implementation of labour laws
Suggestions: Rectify all the above; one central union per industry’ paid office bearers;
strike fund; welfare fund;
Post reform;
 Bargaining strength has weakened following the economic reforms
program At crossroads due to the “Liberal/ flexible Labour laws” being
mooted following economic reforms. also contractualisation following
economic liberalization policies; more jobs being created in unorganized
sector where union activities are not feasible by their insecure nature of
jobs; Examples:
 Move to close unprofitable industries
 Forced VRS
 Conflict following Govt’s insistence on cutting PF rates.
40
 Globalization leading to increased competition is goading Indian industry
to ask for more flexible labour laws ( Easy Hire and fire),
 Contractualisation to increase profit and weaken TUs.
 Ban on strikes in States like Kerala and WB
 Action against Union leaders in TN.
 Case of Honda workers in Gurgaon, Haryana last year
 Airport modernisation and strikes against Delhi/Mumbai Airports’
modernization and privatisation
The strong presence of the Left in the current coalition is a boost for TU activity.
Also in a modernising democracy public opinion and convenience also counts-
Need to balance the need of the enterprise to remain competitive with workers’
aspirations.
Challenges faced by Trade Unions in India today. :
Globalisation/ liberalization/ competition/ Jobless growth after the introduction of
economic reforms in the 1990s/Clamour for introduction of flexible labour laws giving
the right to hire and fire workers in order to improve competitive efficiency/
Contractualisation which throws workers into unstable work situations without guarantee
of job security and denies social security benefits to workers/ VRS- in order to cut flab
from organizations leading to joblessness/ Ban on strikes in some states like Kerala/
Action against TU leaders in TN/ Gurgaon: Honda incident and police highhandedness/
Cut in EPF rates in order to improve the fiscal health of the government and thereby
reducing the size of the workers ‘ retirement kitty/Protest against airport privatization for
fear of losing jobs(Govt has said 40% would be absorbed and others would be given
other options-Left backed)
Left parties’ pressure on Govt and the CMP (Common Minimum Programme)have kept a
watch on issues of concern to workers
Recent trends: More white collar than blue collar. Examples of strikes by Bank
employees to demand better pension benefits, Pilots going on strike etc.
Homosexual movement
Dr. S.Rao, St. Andrew’s
Wide meaning: LSBT –Though large in number and from all over the world and
across professions and educational and social strata and classes, their actual number
is unknown. Social stigma- Continue to be discriminated and persecuted. In response,
a social movement in several countries.
First movement founded in Germany in 1897 but homosexuals were crushed by Nazis
– they used the pink triangle as a cherished symbol.
. First homosexual organization in US was founded in Chicago in 1924. In 1950s and
60s, homosexuals got involved in other movements.
41
The contemporary homosexual movement began in Greenwich village in New
York city on 28 June 1969 when police raided Stonewall inn, a gay bar. The patrons
locked the police inside the bar and rioted and marched through the streets for 3 days
and nights. Gay liberation groups appeared in USA, Canada and Europe.
Coming out of the closet by 1990s and forming organizations in many nations,
Lesbian organizations have also started.
The movement has met with resistance and opposition. In mid 1996 US Supreme
court guaranteed equal rights. Same sex marriages are still controversial. In 1993,
Clinton considered issuing an executive order against gay discrimination. There is a
compromise: ‘Don’t ask, don’t tell’ In some places gay prejudice has led to
violence. Yet the movement continues to spread and seeks to break stereotypes in
over 70 countries. Scandinavian countries and several US states have recognized gay
marriages .
Issues; Religious: church terms it against the will of God / Legal / Freedom of choice:
(A Brazilian resolution is trying to pose it as a human rights issue)/ Issue of sexual
orientation, not one of choice / persecution and isolation in gay communities
In India as elsewhere, social ostracism and persecution/ Sec 377 of Indian Penal
Code makes it an unnatural offence punishable with 7 years to life imprisonment,
Making it illegal makes AIDS prevention and distribution of condoms to this high
risk group by NGOs difficult as the groups remain underground and hence beyond
the scope of safe sex interventions- this 1860 law is a vestige of British rule- violates
privacy and right to equality of sexual minorities- this section should be applied only
to non consensual acts- so there is a review of the section in the offing as of early
2006.
 Fighting for legal recognition of homosexual unions as a family

 Right to adopt
 Right to inheritance of property and insurance claim in case of death of one of
the partners
 Repeal of 377
Indian Gay organizations: Hamsafar (Ashok Row Kavi), Naaz Foundation, Bombay
Dost
SIGNIFICANCE/ IMPACT OF THE SILENT SPRING
Best seller by Rachel Carson, an American marine biologist. The book dealt with the
harmful effects of DDT and other pesticides on environment and also questioned the
notion that man was destined to control Nature. Set in motion the American and
global environment (DDT was developed in 1939, 1 st used in II World war to kill
malaria producing insects, available for civilian use from 1945). Carson showed that
it entered food chain-cancer causing-The chapter, A Fable for Tomorrow depicts an
42
imaginary town in which there are no flower blooms, birds or children and spring
falls silent. In a rejoinder, Monsanto released The Desolate Year where because of
non-use of pesticides, vermin have taken control of the world.
 Exposed corporate and government indifference to the issue of pesticide
poisoning.
 Led to banning DDT and PCBs in America.
 Environmental Protection Agency was established in 1970 and Pesticide
Regulation and Food Safety Inspection was moved to its auspices
 Endangered species like eagles and peregrine falcons no more face extinction.
 Signaled the beginning of the American and global environmental movement.
 New way of thinking about earth-to see ourselves as connected to the earth
ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENTS IN INDIA
Examples: Areas: Western Ghats, Uttaranchal, Narmada
Issues: (Largely) Over-exploitation of forest and other natural resources, displacement of

indigenous populations, loss of livelihood, rehabilitation.
Western Ghats:
Ecologically critical because of great bio-diversity . Hills home to2/3 of India’s

bauxite ore, substantial Manganese ore. Plantation crops like coffee, rubber, tea,
cardamom, pepper. Dwindling forests because of commercialized plantations and
poaching.
In the 50s and 60s protest against Silent Valley project in Kerala.
Konkan Railways:760 km, broad gauge railways in ecologically sensitive region

cutting through hills and estuaries of Goa’s rivers. Loss of flora and fauna and
landslides. Madhav Gadgil of Centre for Ecological Sciences was appointed to
look into the issues.
Over 100 small organizations got together in 1987 for the “Save The Western
Ghats” march-
Now isolated and not unified efforts. Examples:
-Ponda, Goa where Kalanand Mani imparts traing in ecologically sound
developmental projects:
In Maharashtra Kusum Karnik and Anand Kapoor work for the rights of tribals:
43
Shanti and satish Chadran in Kerala are active in imparting environmental
educationand awareness specially to children.
Uttarakhand: Chipko
 Bhotiya tribe dependent on forest for fuel, fodder, grazing

 State control over forests; Growth of timber industry; Contractor-Govt nexus
 Roads built in Chamoli District following 1962 Chinese war were taken
advantage of by conractors.
 Govt encouraged small scale industry by outsiders, not village industries by
locals.
 1970: whole od Belakuchi was wiped out by Alakananda floods -attributed to
deforestation.
 In Reni village 2500 trees were auctioned to be felled by contractors, then
“Chipko”. Chandi Prasad Bhatt, Gora Devi, Sunderlal Bahuguna
 Significant: Because of the protests Indira Gandhi banned felling of trees for 15
years; contractors- local officials nexus was broken- women power; tribal
(Bhotia) power; other parts of the country also emulated the chipko idea;.
Also protests against Tehri dam in the environmentally fragile Himalayas as that
would trigger tremors.- dam now commissioned- Following successful rehabilitation
of the dam-displaced, no protests .
NBA started as environmental movement but has turned into a human rights
movement with the intervention of NGOs and political groups.
DEVELOPMENT AND DISPLACEMENT/ NEED FOR REHABILITATION /

Development Debate / Large Dam Question
(Pl pick up relevant part only for each of the aspects)
LARGE DAMS:
POSITIVES (BENEFITS):
Environmental :
 Regeneration of natural forests and eco systems in the catchment area
 Dam / reservoir becomes habitat for wetland species
 Enables provision of drinking water to people and improves their health status
as lack of clean drinking water is a major cause of illness and deaths in India
 Improved micro climate
 Wildlife conservation
Social-Economic( Write full sentences):

 Stimulation of economic activities
 Provision of hydro-electricity
44
 Provision of irrigation water, increasing land productivity and incomes
 Provision of drinking water
 Tourism
 Fisheries and benefits to fisherfolk
 Increased land value
 Ground water recharge
 Flood control
 Sanitation and hygiene
DETRIMENTAL/ NEGATIVE EFFECTS:

Some economic concerns include:
 Cost overruns because of delays,
 Slippage in construction schedules
According to World Commission on Dams, “Large dams: India’s Experience”:

 Most dams are not assessed for environmental and social impacts
 Alternative strategies are not looked into.
 There is absence of data on the project-affected.
 Between 1980 and 2000, 4.5 to 9 mn hectares of forests have been submerged
n India (33% forest cover is the stipulated requirement)
 Indian experience shows that the rate of siltation of reservoirs has been more
than expected.
 Species and biodiversity are under threat
 There is fear of seismicity as evidenced by the Koyna earthquake triggered by
Koyna dam and feared in the seismically vulnerable Himalayas where Tehri
project is located.
 Threat to downstream population
 Tribals and poor affected. According to a study by the Idian social institute,
though tribals form only 7.85% of the Indian population, 40-50% of displaced
are tribals.
 Common resources are eliminated and collective assets of families are
converted into disposable cash, which is mostly paid to men
 Forced relocation.
In Narmada, planners considered a geographic area without taking into account the
people and their environment for making a cascade of dams , starting with sardar Sarovar
at the west end of the river. A considerably good rehabilitation package was prepared and
integrated into law but never implemented.
Renewed protests against Sardar Sarovar dam have been going on in March-April 2006,
led by Medha Patker on indefinite fast and protesters camping in Delhi against the raising
of the height of the Narmada dam from 113m to 121m, as it will displace 35000 families.
45
And protest have been staged by tribals in Kalinganagar in Orissa in early 2006 where the
tribals objected to the Tatas building a wall around their industrial set-up.
(In 2004, Govt brought out the National Policy on Resettlement and rehabilitation
(NPRR) for Project Affected People (PAP). These include not only those displaced by
dams, but also mines, industries, wildlife sanctuaries.)
According to Harsh Mander,( in an article ‘Damned, as Always’, on 10/ 04/06 HT) with
the advent of planned development after independence, the visibility, scale and sweep of
mega dams made them potent symbols of reconstruction and regeneration of the battered
economy that had suffered a long spell of colonial suppression. Leaders and policy
makers typically viewed the forced uprooting of substantial populations as legitimate and
inevitable costs of development. In 1948 while laying the foundation of Hirakud dam,
Nehru told the prospective displaced: “If you have to suffer, you should do so in the
interest of the country”
 Involuntary relocation is always extremely painful.

 State does not consult with or inform people who will suffer because of
submergence.
 There is typical confusion among authorities in virtually every large project about
which villages or segments of villages will be submerged and when
 In Narmada valley even which persons will be affected and rehabilitated has not
been resolved.
 Again oustees are rarely consulted or informed about phasing and content of
rehab package , people’s entitlement and choice
 Compensation for compulsorily acquired assets is usually in monetary terms.
Rural, especially tribal people are unused to handling large sums of money and
monetary economy and usually spend their money in consumption and repaying
loans and are left pauperized within a few months.
 Landless farmers, fisherfolks and artisans who lose their livelihood are barely
compensated.
 It is only in recent years that responsibility for rehabilitation beyond monetary
compensation is being accepted..
 Resettlement sites are often inhospitable, their location selected without reference
to availability of livelihood opportunities or preferences of displaced people.
 In the Narmada valley even years after relocation basic facilities have not been
established in the resettlement sites (Surrounded by kilometers of reservoir water,
with roads submerged, no transport, schools, teachers, health facility and doctors,
electricity, or clean drinking water)
 The Narmada Award requires that the oustees get irrigated agricultural land in lieu
of land they were forced to give up, but no such thing has happened.
In the 1960s and 70s there was a deliberate government policy of locating industry or
projects in backward areas. Locating a large dam or industrial project in a particular area
or state was seen as being beneficial to local population and local economy by triggering
further economic activity, creating employment for local population, making available
more money, and goods, improving infrastructure and starting a chain of ancillary
46
economic activities. Additionally townships like Jamshedpur with all facilities were also
set up by private industry around their projects. But today a project being set up in a
certain place is seen as a threat to the livelihood of local population.(E-g Kalinganagar)
Mention Singur in West Bengal where Tata is setting up a small car project aby taking
away frtile land and displacing farmrs- also farmers in Maharashtra are currently
opposing the setting up of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) which displace thousands of
farmers and cause them loss of livelihood
Opponents of large dams point out that this is a development strategy that intrinsically
impoverishes the poor. They are not opposed to expansion of irrigation facilities or
generation of electricity. They argue that there are technologies that exist, which provide
water and electricity with far less devastating human and environmental costs. Financial
and human costs of mega dams are very high. . Therefore, alternatives like innumerable
small water harvesting and micro irrigation systems for every village that do not disposes
large populations or submerge forests should be encouraged. Construction of large dams
raises fundamental questions of equity, fairness and justice in the distribution of benefits
and burdens. It also raises issues of human rights, right to survival and basic right to live
with dignity. According to Mander, “it forces us to answer why people who are already
impoverished must always pay the price of what we call development whereas others
who already live with privilege continue to reap the benefits of this development. “
There is an increasing demand that whenever development plans are made there should
simultaneously be plans for rehabilitation and resettlement of those who will be affected.
Some suggest that the ones whose lands have been taken away should be made stake-
holders in the projects that come up on their lands so that they could also share and
benefit from the price appreciation of land and profits that follow.
Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA):
States involved: Gujarat, MP, Maharashtra
Leaders: Medha Patkar and Arundhati Roy
The Narmada Dammed: Author: Dilip D’ souza
Issues: Displacement, loss of livelihood, poor rehabilitation, degradation
of land, water and forest resources, loss of habitat, flooding
> 44000 families or 2.25 lakh people displaced; 250 villages submerged; 25000 ha of
agricultural and forest land affected. As the World bank review Committee noted another
3 lakh people are waiting to be recognized as project-affected.
Height of dam an issue- court cases.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Balance between conservation and exploitation
47
Need and Benefits of Development:
No stopping of Development: because it spells increased per capita incomes, reduction in
poverty, improved standard of living, variety and choice in consumption, new
employment avenues, availability of newer and more convenient technology.
Disturbing Consequences of Reckless Development::

Market forces leading to
 overexploitation of resources (Private miners, fisheries, timber industry)
 Energy intensive modes of production and life style
 Deforestation
 Technology makes fast and ruthless exploitation easy Traditional judicious use not
in vogue any more
 Consumerism creating new and unnecessary consumption
 Deforestation and desertification
 Over grazing and intensive farming
 Over irrigation leading to poor soil quality(Green revolution)
 Pollution ; air, water, land, noise
Need to conserve our precious resources for future generations. So sustainable

development at present without jeopardizing the claims of future generations.
(Define)Achievable through reasonable levels of consumption, production processes that
use of alternative and renewable energy resources, minimize pollution and deforestation
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
POLITICAL APATHY
Indifference of citizens to the electoral process or non-participation in electoral process

Takes many forms:
 Not voting in elections(as reflected though low voter turnout)
 Not standing for elections
 Not bothering to exercise their civic rights(e-g not making their voting cards) or
about civic issues (civil society not being vibrant)
 Not insisting that elected representatives deliver
 Absence of institutional development to ensure citizen’s participation and
involvement in the political and civic processes.
Causes:
Sometimes large sections of electorate withdraw from the process because
 They think they have nothing to gain or lose;
 Ignorance regarding choices or the power of vote;
 Feeling that one vote wont make a difference;
 Frustration and disillusionment with political class or system;
 To protest or make known their wish not to choose any of the candidates
 Plain indifference as some of the better-off sections among the electorate think
they don’t need the help of political representatives to get their work done-
48
rampant among Indian middle class-Example of low turn-out of voters in
Colaba in recent civic elections in Mumbai
Studies have shown that it is the poorer sections of population who believe that their
problems can be solved by their elected leaders and higher income groups either think
that they can solve the problems themselves or that the political class is ineffective.
Effects:
Leads to vote bank politics- Wrong choice of candidates because of mass voting by
groups of active voters- Distorted choice as non voting sections’ will is not reflected in
the choice of representatives- Thriving of vested interests- govt ceases to be truly
representative
Voting must be made compulsory to ensure true representation- Demand to include
”None of the above “ as a choice.
CONCEPT OF POSITIVE DISCRIMINATION (PD) AND ITS

IMPLEMENTATION IN INDIA
PD: Suspension of the principle of equality in order to correct for historical injustices- A
set of measures adopted in favour of certain disadvantaged sections of society to remedy
inequalities and historical discrimination that afflicts them. Groups which enjoy such
privileges: Blacks in USA, women in Scandinavia
But in no other country is the system of PD as widespread as in India: Article 15 (See the
end of this section) of the Constitution prohibits discrimination
Art 16 confirms equality of all citizens, but states that the state has right to make special
provisions in favour of the disadvantaged. SC(Dalits), ST (Adivasis), OBC(Other
backward classes), In recent times the concept has been extended to raise the status of
Indian women who are among the socially disadvantaged. 73 rd and 74th Constitution
Amendments provide reservation for women in local bodies. 3 % reservation in jobs is
available for the Physically handicapped,
Constitution recognizes 3 categories as ‘backward’: SC: 15%; ST: 7%; an ill-defined
OBC category –Each state is free to decide which castes are covered.
Reservation for SC/ST:

Caste system in India is rigid and fragmented society. The Dalits were ruthlessly
exploited and suffered from untouchability.. Art 17 abolishes untouchability. As it was
strongly felt that SCs cant survive in a competitive environment given the historical
deprivation, wide range of measures incorporated:
1) reservation in jobs, reserved seats in legislative bodies
2) scholarships, loans, grants
3) Special steps to protect them from exploitation e-g abolition of
bonded labour
It is felt that systematic preferential treatment will help compensate for historical
disadvantages and offset handicaps. This is known as compensatory or positive
49
Discrimination. While few disagree with the notion of PD, there is disagreement about
who is deserving of such help and what form it should take.
Constitutional provisions:
Art 14: Right to equality
Art 15: Prohibition of discrimination
Art 15(4): State can legislate on behalf of disadvantaged sections
Art 16(4): Empowers state to provide for reservation in appointments
Art 17: Untouchability made unconstitutional (1955: Untouchability Offence Act)
Directive Principles:
Art 46: State shall promote the educational and economic interests of weaker
sections of society, in particular SC and ST
Art 39(A): Justice based on equality of opportunity
Art 330, 332, 334 : Seats in Parliament and assembly

Art 335: Claims of SC-ST in appointment to services and posts in
connection with the affairs of the state
Art 338: Appointment of a special officer (Commissioner for SC and ST)
Why reservation:
 To compensate for historical injustices
 Social justice demands that unequal people should not be treated as equal
 Without reservations many people from the underprivileged communities who
are holding political offices and govt posts would not be where they are.
 Merit as decided by traditional yardsticks should not be applied to the
traditionally disadvantaged.
 Democracy requires fair distribution of benefits and opportunities.
Why opposition:
 Subordinates individual identity while emphasizing on group identity. Creates a
quota system for groups and this is inconsistent in a democracy .
 Backwardness defined in terms of caste has perpetuated caste consciousness ;
 A few communities have benefited to the exclusion of others; these have become
dominant and prosperous and form the creamy layer or elite class. Old
inequalities are replaced by new ones.
 Vested interests in being classified as backward;
 Reservations have created resentment among the higher castes and the number of
atrocities against dalits have witnessed an increase due to heightened prejudice
and jealousy.
 In the area of education, elementary education has been neglected and a handful
are enrolled in institutions of higher learning and the drop out rate is high.
50
 In terms of jobs, most SC and ST are concentrated in Class III and IV jobs, while
being under-represented in higher level jobs. Thus it amounts to tokenism.
 Leaves out a large sections of Dalits from its purview (“Under-inclusion”) -A vast
majority of Dalits belong the landless or marginal land owning class and live in
poverty and indebtedness. They are hardly in a position to take advantage of the
reservations in jobs or higher education.
 According to some critics, does not reward merit.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS:
MANDAL COMMISSION:
(Implementation of the Mandal Commission recommendations saw the PD benefits being

formally extended to the other backward castes (OBCs))
Mandal Commission chaired by Parliamentarian B.P Mandal was set up by Morarji Desai
in 1978 to consider affirmative action policies for backward classes to redress caste
discrimination. This was the Second Backward Classes Commission, the first being the
Kaka Kalelkar Commission which submitted its report in 1955 but failed to make an
impact.
The commission based its findings on the 1932 Census, the last time census was taken on
the lines of caste. It used 11 indicators –social, educational and economic- to determine
backwardness and estimated that 52% of total Indian population (excluding SC and ST)
was backward. These belong to 3743 different castes.
The report submitted in December 1980 called for 27% reservation in all services and
PSUs under central govt and 27% of all admissions (over and above the 22.5% quota for
SC and ST). This was in keeping with the 1963 Supreme Court ruling that total
reservations should not exceed 50%.
Mandal report was shelved for 9 years until V.P. Singh announced in August 1990 that he
would implement it. Protests and self immolations followed and a writ petition was filed
in the Supreme Court against its implementation. The court in its judgment in the Indira
sawhney vs Union of India upheld the 27% quota for OBCs, subject to the exclusion of
socially advanced persons / sections among OBCs and directed the govt to evolve criteria
for identifying the creamy layer.
According to the Govt appointed committee, children of persons holding constitutional

posts, Class-I officers and defence officers of colonel and above ranks. Also of persons
with annual income above 2.5 lakhs had to be excluded from the purview of reservation.
The suggestions were accepted and OBC quota came into force in Sep, 1993.
51
RESEVATIONS IN HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IS REFERRED TO
AS MANDAL II. On Dec 21, 2005, the Lok Sabha passed the 104th Constitutional
amendment Act 2005, to allow for reservation for SC, ST as well as OBCs in private
unaided educational institutions other than minority institutions.
In April 2006, Arjun Singh is proposed to introduce 27% quota for OBCs in central
govt-funded higher educational institutions like IITs and IIMs . From this academic year,
OBC quota in central govt-funded higher educational institutions like IITs and IIMs is to
take effect.
Accoding to Chandra Bhan Prasad, an ideologue on dalit issues, reservations should go

to MBCs (Most Backward Castes) and not OBCs. According to him, there was a dissent
note by L.R. Naik to the Mandal Report to this effect. According to Naik, OBCs consist
of 2 large social blocks- Land owning OBCs whom he describes as Intermediate
backward castes or upper OBCs and the MBCs.
The former (Upper OBCs) comprise of yadavas, Kurmis. Jats, Lingayats among others;
these upper OBCs were the traditional peasant castes which have turned into land owning
class. They are dominant castes in their villages and control wealth and institutions in the
country side, according to Bhan Prasad. They are political force to reckon with.
The second group consists of depressed backward classes or Most Backward classes
(MBCs) who remain marginalized. Naik feared that the first group would corner the OBC
quota. Nitish Kumar, Laloo Prasad, Mulayam belong to the first lot. But MBCs are
depressed and have suffered loss of livelihood because of changing technology and
modenisation. E-g potters, oil pressers, Noniyas the traditional earth movers. Their trades
have been replaced by machines and they have become landless agricultural lalbourers.
Spread all over India these small caste groups are not an electoral force, have no
leadership nor any lobby in the intellectual or political sphere and these are the ones who
badly need reservation. Naik’s dissent note to this effect was ignored by V.P. Singh
because he had an eye on electoral gains and was keen to please the powerful upper
OBCs.
Unlike some other societies India is a multi-layered society, where a sizeable number
lives in poverty and it is difficult to draw a line for Affirmative Action at the SCs or
OBCs. PD has resulted in widespread resentment among groups that have been left out
and there is also a clamour for being included among the positively discriminated
category. One of the most notable movements against PD was in Gujarat in 1980s and
against the Mandal Commission in the 1990s. Thus the system poses as many problems
as it solves. Nevertheless it is rooted I social justice.(Rawls: Equals should not be treated
unequally and unequals should not be treated equally)
The PD system has become a battleground for power struggle. Caste has become
politicized and the system of PD which was meant to be self-liquidating has become
ossified into an inevitable and permanent arrangement. Originally meant for 10 years, the
reservations have been extended time and again by the parliament and to newer
categories.
52
Further Recent debates: Extension to Private Sector:
Currently sought to be extended to private sector- Meira Kumar suggested amending

constitution if there is no voluntary compliance on the part of the private sector.
Reasons:
Public sector is dwindling and pSU jobs shrinking with the economic reforms and
privatization of the 1990s and so dalits have lost job protection; rmedy for market
discrimination; there are no Dalit entrepreneurs and we need to create a class of such
entrepreneurs; corporates receive benefits in terms of infrastructure, subsidies and tax
concessions from the Government and so they have the obligation; in a poor society
corporates can’t think of only their own profits but have a larger social responsibility.
Arguments against: According to industry, in the era of global competition, Indian

companies will suffer vis-à-vis foreign MNC competitors if they are forced to use any
criteria other than merit and efficiency while recruiting; the job of private enterprise is to
build industry which can compete on global basis and make profits; have already been
employing Dalits who are qualified and there has been no discrimination; govt’s
emphasis should be on equipping Dalits to compete on equal footing through better
education starting from prlmary leval; people see it as a vote-catching gimmick; some
suggest via media that enterprises which have taken affirmative action should be
rewarded instead of
every one being forced.
(Ram Vilas Paswan has demanded reservation for Muslims)
AUTHORITARIAN TRENDS IN DEMOCRATIC INDIA

Sujata Rao
(Must expand points on the basis of classroom lectures)
Indian constitution provides Rule of Law, but govt to crush opposition and achieve its
political motives, often adopts authoritarian techniques.
1. Suspension of Fundamental rights- Incomplete rights-e-g Freedom of subject to

“reasonable” restrictions and press censorship
2. Repressive laws which are out of place in a democracy. Examples at different

points of time:
53
 Preventive detention Act 1950. In other countries only during war but in
India even during normal times.
 MISA-1971
 COFEPOSA and FERA: 1977
 NSA, 1980
 TADA, 1987-1995-Arbitrary arrests and torture
 POTA /
 Armed Forces (Special powers) Act- Upheld in 1997- investing military
with extraordinary powers in ‘disturbed’ areas(Manipur, Manorama)
 MCOCA in Maharashtra (Explain provisions of each)
3. Emergency, 1975-77- Excessive abuse of authority-, gagging of Press, (freedom of

expression) suppression of dissent, jailing opposition
4. Controlling Judiciary- curtailing independence since Indira Gandhi’s time-superseding

and transferring according to political considerations- Concept of “committed judiciary”
5. Too many constitutional amendments- increasing the power of Parliament
6. Misuse of emergency powers- President’s rule in states
7. Rule by ordinances-e-g POTO- undemocratic as implementation is without

parliamentary discussion –often suspends the rights of citizens
8. One party dominance until 1990s
9. Prime Ministerial dictatorship- power of PMO
10. Beauracratisation of civil services has made it unresponsive to citizens’ needs-

repressive, ineffective and inefficient- politicisation and corruption
11. Nepotism-Family, kith and kin, extra-constitutional power centres
12. Excesses in the name of anti terrorism and police excesses : Disappearances,
encounter deaths, custodial deaths, forced confessions
13. Forced evictions
14. NHRC toothless
15. Human rights violations by govt-Amnesty international comments/ PUCL
GROWTH OF COMMUNALISM
54
Denotes antithesis of a secular ideology- It is a form of ethno-centricism.-“we vs they”
feeling –a notion that society is divided into religious communities whose interests differ-
Stressing religious identity of individuals and groups to the exclusion of all other
identities.
Nature:
Its varied expressions, range from stereotypes and suspicions to manifest hostility and
violence.
Preplanned
Targeting of people and places
Leads to loss of life and property
Breakdown of social institutions
A) Historical background-
a) Pre 1947:
British divide and rule policy, playing one religious community against
another
Indian National Congress from a secular party, at the turn of the Century
came to be dominated by an extremist faction who freely used Hindu symbols-
This alienated Muslims- Muslim League formed in 1906- Gulf widened and
politics of religion ushered in- Separate electorates
Vir savarkar’s ‘Hindutva’ publication
Hindu Mahasabha, RSS
Frequent riots
b) Post 1947:
Independent India chose secularism but partition unleashed fears among
religious minorities, especially Muslims
Khalistan(1973, Akali dal under Master Tara Singh demanded autonomous status
for Punjab. By 1980s Jarnail Singh Bhindranwala took up leadership and matters
escalated.Hindu-Sikh riots throughout Punjab. Hindu families fled Punjab in large
numbers. Arms buid-up in Golden temple in Amritsar, Operation Bluestar to flush
out Sikh militants fron the temple- Violent retaliation by Sikns- Indira Gandhi’s
assassination-Hindus massacred Sikhs in Delhi following the assassination of PM
RamJanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid- competiting claims and counter claims- Riots
after Advani’s Rath yatra which spread from Rajasthan, Gujarat, MP, Up and
Bihar-Babri demolition in Dec 1992- Jan 1993 Mumbai riots- Arson, looting,
murder.
Godhra and Gujarat riots, 2002 following Ram Sevaks being set on fire in
Sabarmati Express at Godhra-Riots in retaliation- Organised mobs systematically
targeting Muslims-murder,rape, burning and arson in all major cities of Gujarat.
PARTISAN ROLE OF STATE- INACTION, TACIT SUPPORT for systematic
targeting of Muslims and failure to protect minorities-Handling of the Best
Bakery case which the SC ordered to be shifted to Maharashtra- Human Rights
violation
55
Akshardam:Sep ’02 Gujarat was on the verge of communal riots following
terrorist attack in akshardam temple killing 44 people. This time quick
administrative action prevented riots
B) Underlying factors:
Religious fundamentalism: Hindu and Muslim fundamentalists have deliberately chosen

to focus on issues that will divide, knowingly inciting crowds to violent action Socio
economic differentiation became religious discrimination
Tension resulted in communal violence
Socio economic Factors:
Inequality leading to identification on religious lines-e-g Ahmedabad riots of 1969 -
rioting and destroying economic assets of rival groups
Opening of new market in Arab countries meant prosperity for Muslims leading to
insidious comparisons
Under-representation of Muslims in Govt and public life
Muslims educationally backward
POLITICAL:
Using ceremonies and festivals to further political interests-Religious symbolism a
rallying point: Using religious symbols and myths for political ends- communal
organizations propagating communal ideology and hatred
Choice of candidates on religious lines
Politicisation of religion:
Growth of communal groups and provoking open hostility- choice of slogans and
stereotypes to incite masses- politicization of crime and criminalization of politics-e-g
Shiv Sena
Short term view taken by leaders for immediate political gains e-g Bhindranwala and
Indira Gandhi and sikh riots, Hindus in Kashmir, Bangladeshi migrants as economic
competitors and fear of being swamped e-g in Assam,
Electoral inducements and block voting and misuse of religion by political parties
Paul Brass points out that most riots are NOT spontaneous occurrences but are pre-
medidated and calculated especially during elections “Staged conflicts” organized by
local politicians for electoral gains
Psychological: Prejudice and formation of stereotypes, leading to widening social

distances ‘We vs They” In- group out- group
Role of Media- Distortion and propaganda, stereo typing
Breakdown of social institutions
Failure of state machinery and Partisan role of Police- prejudice, communalization,

negligence and complicity- Deliberate overlooking- manifest bias in arresting trouble
makers-e-g Mumbai riots, Delhi’s anti Sikh riots
56
Partisan and weak kneed reaction of govt- Enquiry Reports but criminals get away e-g Sri
Krishna Report, Delhi riots
C) Measures to Prevent / tackle:

(Write antidotes from the above such as:
Text book to be freed from biases/ Avoiding religious symbols in public places etc and
end with Electoral code: not to seek votes in the name of religion and the new bill
described below)
Communal violence (Prevention, Control and Rehabilitation of Victims) Bill, 2005.

UPA govt introduced the Communal violence (Prevention, Control And rehabilitation of
Victims) Bill, 2005. Aim: “To empower the state govts and the central government to take
measures to provide for the prevention and control of communal violence which threatens
the secular fabric, unity, integrity and internal security of the nation and rehabilitation of
victim of such violence” . Immediate context of the Bill: Gujarat massacre, 2002, Delhi,
1984, Mumbai, 1992-93, where democratically elected state administrations were
deliberately partisan.
Provisions of the Bill:

Allows requisitioning of armed forces to control riots; preventing assembly, procession,
loudspeakers; confiscating arms and ammunition;( Many of these provisions already exist
in statute books, but have been reiterated)
An important provision is punishment with imprisonment up to 1 year or fine or both for
any public official who fail to perform their duties
It makes an attempt to protect the rights of survivors of communal violence to rescue,
relief and rehabilitation- provides for committees of govt officials and nominees to be
established to plan and oversee these (Narendra Modi had refused to set up relief camps)
SECULARISM:
Separation of religion from the State. Implies that state should not favour the followers of
any particular religion or discriminate against any followers of any particular religion
Secularism does not mean negation of religion; does not mean banning of religion from
social or public life.
Secularism means not merely tolerating other religions but showing equal respect to all
religions and their followers. (“Sarva dharma samabhava”)which allows all Indian
citizens to follow or not follow a religion of their choice.
42nd Amendment to Constitution inserted the word ”Secular” in the preamble to the
Constitution in 1976. It is thus part of the basic structure of our constitution.
Constitution promotes secularism in the following ways: State to observe neutrality and
impartiality towards all religions. There shall be no state religion in India. No religious
instruction will be provided in any educational institution wholly maintained out of state
funds. Every person is guaranteed freedom of conscience and freedom to profess,
practice and propagate his/ her own religion, subject to restrictions imposed by the state
57
in the interest of public order, morality and health. State hall not discriminate against any
citizen in any matter, particularly in the matter of employment on the ground of religion
CRIMINALIZATION OF POLITICS
Dr. S. Rao, St. Andrew’s College
ENTRY OF CRIMINALS OR ANTI SOCIAL elements into representative bodies

through the electoral process.
Commission of criminal offences while holding public office Since 1967 elections-
Challenge to political system.
Initially help was being taken by politicians from criminals for mutual benefit (proxy
voting, booth capturing, politics of coercion, Now brazen. Entering politics offers
protection. Winning by big margins and turning politicians. Kidnapping and murdering
candidates, horse trading -Some fighting elections from inside jails.- Gun running,
gambling and extortion from inside jails.- Cuts across party lines.
Causes:
Money and muscle power in elections
Expensive election campaigns,
Inadequate legal system
Weak police force
Local mafia seen as protector
DP Yadav, Pappu Yadav, Shibu Soren, Arun Gawli, Raja Bhaiyya, Phoolan Devi
Relatives of politicians getting away with crime: e-g Jessica Lal case
Suggested electoral code of banning not taken seriously-Political parties interpreting
this to cover only those who have been actually convicted.
Remedies:
CEC for ban
Parties should not look at winnability but integrity and background of candidates
Public funding of elections
Vohra Committee indiction not heeded.
Transparent system
Speedy and exemplary punishment
Inculcating values.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
58
THE BHOPAL GAS TRAGEDY AS A CASE OF CORPORATE
NEGLIGENCE
Gas: Methyl isocynate: Highly poisonous stored in excess quantity and in unsuitable
conditions- because of cost-cutting efforts air conditioning was not working at the
time of accident-Initially officials of Union carbide even refuse to acknowledge that
the gas leak was from their plant.
The gas killed more than 7000 people and injured many more . In the last 21 years
atleast another 15000 have died and many more suffer from chronic diseases caused
by exposure to the gas.
Indian govt put forth following areas of negligence:
Defective design, Defective engineering, Defective training and oversight.
Case of negligence on the following accounts:

 Safety norms flouted: Locating hazardous material in highly populated
area, Stocking excess amount of toxic material, withdrawing safety
measures to cut costs including closing refrigeration plant when it required
storing gas at 15 C temp
 Not training people
 Defective design/engineering/training/ oversight
 Refusal to own responsibility: Shifting blame on to Indian govt for giving
permission, failure to vacate, take emergency medical measures, providing
inconsistent claim figures
 Callousness: Setting up factory in heavily populated area, hiding the toxic
nature of product and suppressing info about uncomfortable findings of
1982 safety inspection team; not responding in time
 Double standards: Computerised warning, training local residents,
continuous safety checks in Virginia plant, none here
 Resort to legal hair splitting
 Dow accepted assets not liabilities
 Haggling over compensation to victims
 20 years after the tragedy, the place ha not yet been cleaned up, drinking
water sources remain contaminated and the place remains contaminated.
----------------------------Best of Luck-----------------------------------
SILENT SPRING – RACHEL CARSON
Rachel Carson single handedly launched the American and global environmental
movements.
The story of Silent Spring reveals:

How a courageous woman took on the chemical industry and raised important questions
about humankind’s impact on nature.
59
Silent Spring was named the most influential book in the last fifty years.
Her book Silent Spring challenged the widely accepted notion that man was destined to
control nature. Though experts accused Carson of being hysterical, challenged her
credibility as a scientist, and launched a negative propaganda campaign against the book.
Silent Spring remained on the bestseller list for almost a year, and the world began to take
notice.
DDT, the most powerful pesticide in the world had ever known, was capable of killing
hundreds of different kinds of insects at once.
A spray as indiscriminate as DDT can upset the economy of nature as much as a

revolution upsets social economy. The large bird kills which had occurred on Cape Cod
was the result of DDT sprayings.
Silent spring described how DDT entered the food chain and accumulated in the fatty
tissues of animals, including human beings, and caused cancer and genetic damage. It
remained toxic in the environment even after it was diluted by rainwater.
Carson concluded that DDT and other pesticides had irrevocably harmed birds and
animals and had contaminated the entire world food supply.
As a result of the book and its reception, the Environment Protection Agency was
established in 1970. DDT and PCB’s have been almost completely outlawed in the US.
Most at risk from those pesticides, such as eagles and peregrine falcons, are no longer
facing extinction.
DDT and PCB’s while not used in the US are still routinely produced here and sold to
other countries. In the US they have been replaced by narrow spectrum pesticides of even
higher toxicity. Pesticide use on farms alone has doubled (to 1.1 billion tons a year) and
USA has increased pesticide production by 400%.
Rachel Carson remarked: ‘Man’s attitude toward nature is today critically important
simply because we have now acquired a fateful power to alter and destroy nature. But
man is a part of nature, and his war against nature is inevitable a war against himself…
(We are) challenged as mankind has never been challenged before to prove our maturity
and our mastery, not of nature, but of ourselves’.
SIGNIFICANCE/ IMPACT OF THE SILENT SPRING
 Exposed corporate and government indifference to the issue of pesticide

poisoning.
 Led to banning DDT and PCBs in America.
 Environmental Protection Agency was established in 1970 and Pesticide
Regulation and Food Safety Inspection was moved to its auspices
60
 Endangered species like eagles and peregrine falcons no more face extinction.
 Signaled the beginning of the American and global environmental movement.
 New way of thinking about earth-to see ourselves as connected to the earth
TRIBAL POLITICS / MOVEMETNS
It is difficult to discuss the nature of tribal politics in general terms. Tribals are drawn
from a variety of races (Mongoloid, Austroid and Negroid) and more important tribals are
at different levels of integration into the so-called mainstream.
It is difficult to designate a particular community of people as tribe. Our notion that the
Nagas constitute a closely-knit, homogeneous category does not correspond to the reality
of a diversity of tribal groups, who speak dialects not always intelligible to each other’s
and who are sometimes at war with each other.
‘Distinctiveness’ is the keyword of any definition of tribes in India. However, not all
distinct societies are tribal societies. Tribal societies are less differentiated than societies
in the mainstream. It is bonded by kinship. It is kinship society and its members consider
themselves to be kith and kin to each other. Such a kinship society is bound by strict rules
of endogamy.
The interest in tribal societies is due to the rapid changes over the years that have caused
them a serious disintegration of their societies. Tribals are now raising demands before
the political authorities. There are also certain organizations, non-tribal, like the Christian
missionaries that act on their behalf. These give rise to movements – sometimes of a
violent nature having their bearing on the political system.
There is no doubt or disagreement of the tribals being integrated in the social mainstream.
The question is – how they are to be integrated? Do they have to cease to be tribes? Do
they lose their cultural identity or do they retain their distinctive cultural identity when
they are integrated? It is felt by the majority that their distinctiveness as a cultural
community should not be harmed. Others feel that integration is equivalent to
assimilation and this cannot be done without detribalization.
The bulk of the lower strata of our society suffer from the same disabilities, which the
tribals suffer. So if the tribals feel that they are different from other depressed and
exploited sections of the Indian society, they suffer from a ‘false consciousness’.
They are however treated as specially oppressed community. They feel that they are far
more adversely affected than other oppressed groups.
Tribal politics is seen largely as an assertion of identity on the part of the tribal
community whose culture face the threat of becoming extinct; they appear to be making a
61
last ditch attempt at carving a niche for themselves. This battle is uneven for they are
battling against the State (govt), which is disproportionately stronger than they are.
There is myth that tribes represent highly rigid social structures and do not change on
their own nor do they give in to changes brought from outside. The changes however are
taking place. The Endogenic changes (that spring from within the tribal society) are
taking place.
E.g. female infanticide among the Toda of Nilgiri hills is practiced when the tribes feel
the necessity of controlling birth rate (due to depletion of natural resources). A good part
of change is initiated by governmental intervention. Inter tribal relationship may be a
potent source of social change.
The rapid changes have created a number of problems to almost all tribal societies. In
some areas, due to the communication revolution, the tribals are linked to the urban
industrial centers; the non-tribals migrate to the areas of the tribal homelands and soon
outnumber the tribal population causing a substantial fall in the percentage of the tribal
population.
E.g. Tripura tribal population in 1874-75 was 64% and in 1981 they were 28.5%. The
tribal population also declines in gross terms due to natural calamities, lower fertility rate,
high mortality rate, etc. Many tribes have already become extinct and some in the
Andaman and Nicobar islands are on the verge of extinction.
Tribals are also evicted from the lands hitherto under their control; they are victimized by
macro development plans.
E.g. five factories were set up in tribal inhabited areas of Bihar – 115 villages were
occupied.
Two constructions Panchet and Mython involved eviction of 28000tribals. They are also
now deprived of their traditional means of livelihood (use of forests and forest resources)
through legislation, establishing of sanctuaries and reserved areas.
Political demands: The above problems and many more force the tribes to raise political
demands
1. Their demand for being recognized as Scheduled Tribe may spring from ulterior
motive of getting into educational and governmental institutions.
2. There is also demand for varying degrees of autonomy.
a. At the elementary level they seek protection through the establishment of
tribal belts and blocks. This is to prevent the non-tribals to move into the
area. They demand autonomous district councils. These are concentrated
mainly in northeast India.
b. At a higher level there is a demand for greater autonomy – establishing a
separate state within the union (Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram became
separate states in the 1960s)
62
c. There is also a demand for complete secession from the Indian union.
3. There is also a demand for the preservation of the tribal language. The official
language act of 1960 makes Assamese the official language of Assam but the
Bodos agitators consider this an imposition of an alien language.
TRIBAL MOVEMENTS
At the end of 1960s there were 36 ongoing movements of which 14 were concentrated in
northeast. The movements could be classified as movements for
1. Political autonomy
2. Agrarian / forest biased movements
3. Cultural movements (language)
4. Sanskritisation movements (cultural)
Some classify tribal movements as:

1. Reactionary (re establishing social political order that has long gone by)
2. Conservative (opposition to any kind of change)
3. Revisionary (modify and transform / revise tribal modes of life)
4. Revolutionary (reject outright the existing social, political system)
THE JHARKHAND MOVEMENT
Jharkhand literally means ‘the land of the jungles’ and the Jharkhands are the original
inhabitants (adivasis) of the region. They consist of tribes such as Mundas, Oroans,
Bhumy, Santhals, Savaras etc.
After independence, outsiders kept pouring in and the tribals were reduced to a minority.
Also a lot of the tribals moved out to far off states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka,
Assam. It was felt that Jharkhand was developing but not the Jharkhandis. Of the seven
industries of the regions the tribal representation was low.
A small tribal elite emerged in these societies by the western education introduced by the
Christian missionaries. These elite showed concern for modernizing tribal societies and
were concerned for the preservation of traditional values. Tribal politics gradually
developed into a struggle for freedom.
The establishment of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (1972) and the all-Jharkhand Students
Union (1986) went through a lot of ups and downs. In 1994 the centre and Bihar
government established Jharkhand Area autonomous council.
THE BODO MOVEMENT
63
The Bodos are an ethno-linguistic group drawn from a diversity of people living in the
plains of Assam. Various dialects of the Bodo language are spoken and all follow a
common cultural framework.
In 1968, all Bodo students union raised the slogan of Divided Assam fifty fifty.
9664246492
In 1972, Plains tribal council demanded a separate Union territory of Udayachal.
The socio economic background that lead to the outbreak of the Bodo Movement
corresponds to the one that sparked off the Jharkhand movement.
In 1974, the PTCA (Plains Tribal council of Assam) launched a movement for the
adoption of the roman script in place of the Assamese script for the Bodo language. After
1978 the PTCA declined in power. 1984-92 was a period of revival for protection of tribal
interest anti foreign agitation which went of for six years was ended as it was felt stricter
enforcement of already existing laws would stop occupations of tribal belts and blocks.
The tribals were agitated by the rise of dominant Assamese nationalism under the Assam
Gana Parishad and the Assam Janajati ‘Suraksha Samiti’ which were formed to safeguard
the Assamese speaking population.
In 1984 the all Bodo students union gave a call for separate state of Bodoland.
Following riots for eight years a settlement provided for creation of ‘Bodoland
Autonomous Council’.
The policies of the government towards the tribals have changed remarkably over the
years. At independence:
1. Their traditional arts and culture are encouraged
2. Tribal rights to land and forest be respected
3. Train the people
4. Government should work through and not in rivalry with their own social and
cultural institution.
5. We should judge their progress by the quality of human character that is evolved.
However, later it was felt that tribal problems do not require any special development
programmes other than one that is applicable for other underprivileged group. The tribal
development programme should be indistinguishable from the country’s over all design.
There is also a shift from a culture sensitive design of development to one that takes
massive investment and greater reliance on technology.
64
TRIBAL MOVEMENTS IN INDIA
Tribals scattered all over India, form about 7.% of Indian population. Complex picture-
Surajit Sinha of the Centre for the Study of Social Sciences, kolkata in his ‘Tribal
Solidarity Movements in India: A review’ distinguishes the following :
 Series of tribal rebellions during early days of British rule I 18th and 19th
centuries-e-g Birsa movement ,1895-1900 among the Munda tribe; Santal
rebellion , 1857-58.
 Series of reform movements emulating the cultural patterns of higher Hindu

castes: Bhagat movement among the Oraon, Vaishnavaite movement among
Bhumij seeking Rajput recognition through social mobility.
 Emergence of inter-tribe political associations and movements for recognition as

‘tribal’ states within the Indian Union in post-independence period: Jharkhand
movement among the tribes of Chotanagpur, Hill states movement among Garo
and Khasi tribes in North east
 Violent secessionist movements among tribes located near international frontiers:
Nagaland / Nagalim, Mizo National Front movement, Kukis – geographic
isolation, high levels of literacy, led by educated elite, awareness created by
Christianity, historical consciousness of armed conflict with British administration
 Pockets of violent political movements in the tribal belt linked with the general
problem of agrarian unrest: Naxalbri91967), Girijan rebellion in Srikakulam,
AP, 1968-69, Birsa Dal movement in Ranchi(1968-69)
 Scattered isolated tribal pockets asserting their rights a political interest groups
as ‘scheduled tribes’: Santhals and Koras of West Bengal
 Tribals with extensive linkages with surrounding Hindu population and

integrated with the Hindu peasantry that they find it difficult to make common
cause with other Adivasis: Bhumij of Purulia and Singhbhum districts of West
Bengal who aspire for recognition as Rajputs
65
 Isolated or hitherto isolated tribes who accept their social, cultural, and political
independence as a matter of course and are therefore not involved in any self-
conscious movement to assert solidarity: certain tribes of Andaman and Nicobar
islands
 Tribes which are too isolated , have primitive economic base, lack of literacy and
literate elite- interested in tribal isolation: Jarawa and Onge of Andaman islands
Issues confronting the tribal movement in India.
 Lack of cultural homogeneity: racially heterogeneous, economically weak and

politically unorganized
 No national level movement or leaders transcending differences/ each place has a
different though some similar problems
 Political autonomy
 Challenge to traditional lifestyle and cultural identity
 Deforestation due to development and urban encroachment (National forest
Policy, 1988 stipulates that 1/3 of country should be under forest cover)
 Alienation and forcible eviction
 Loss of livelihood and common property rights(Already economically weak)
 Denied access to small forest produce
 Exploitation by non tribals, money lenders and as landless laborers
 Displacement due to dams (Narmada), wildlife sanctuaries, roads, mines and
other developmental projects: (recent revolt in Kalinganagar in Orissa). Though
tribals form 7.85% of Indian population, 40-505 of displaced persons are
tribals.
 Denial of traditional access to small forest products
 Swamping and exploitation by non tribals
 Loss of Common property rights
 Terrorism and subversion in some places
 Terrorized by powerful lobbies in other places
Jharkand / Chhattisgarh sought and got autonomy- Nagaland fight for greater Nagalim
innumerable tribes scattered all over. No national level movement or leaders/ Each place
is different though similar problems.
ST and Forest Dwellers’ (Recognition of Forest Rights) Bill, 2005 drafted by Ministry
of Tribal affairs tries to correct the ‘historical injustice done to tribals by govts, both
colonial and post-independence through policies which denied them right to the forest
and overexploitation of forests for commercial gains. The Bill recognizes that tribal
alienation leads to extremism and that forest officials have declared as illegal a whole
range of activities which are important to forest-dependent people and these are sought to
be corrected through this legislation
66
The Bill vests rights of forest lands with the tribals and gives 2.5 ha of forest land to each
nuclear family. The size is meant to just sustain the family and not for commercial
purpose. .Rights of inheritance are not transferable or alienable so as to prevent transfer
away from the tribals. The Bill incorporates the idea that conservation is most effective
when people who depend on a particular resource are made partners in managing that
resource. (e-g forest land).
67

Business Journalism

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Business Journalism

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

THE BHOPAL GAS

Safety and equipment issues

Environmental Degradation: Act or process of devaluing of and damage to the

Causes and effects of Environmental Degradation (MUST Elaborate each point)

Green House Gases:

Methane: when bacteria have access to organic matter-rice/paddy fields, swamps,

Ozone: consisting of 3 atoms of Oxygen-Shields earth from sun’s UV rays

Implications of Global warming: Current Scenario: The UN Intergovernmental Panel

1987- Brundtland Commission or UN commission on Environment and Development

 Ecological harmony: (man and hi surroundings- humans, oceans, forests, wild

Criticisms/ Problems/ Issues with SD:

Examine the impact of Global Warming. (6)

Future Predictions (if global warming is unchecked):

1987- Brundtland Commission or UN commission on Environment and Development

 Ecological harmony: (man and hi surroundings- humans, oceans, forests, wild

Criticisms/ Problems/ Issues with SD:

ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALISM IS A COLLECTION

Paper Pattern, 2005 (Valid thro’ 2007)

 Q1 is Compulsory- 7 out of 10: 2 marks each (7*2=14marks)

Q1: Compulsory Concepts, Definitions-in about 3- 4 sentences -From anywhere.

Dr. Sujata Rao, St. Andrew’s

“The World is without Borders”-Discuss in the context of environment (6)

1972: Lester Brown’s book: World without Borders

Environmental Degradation: Act or process of devaluing of and damage to the

Causes and effects of Environmental Degradation (MUST Elaborate each point)

Green House Gases:

Methane: when bacteria have accesss to organic matter-rice/paddy fields,

Ozone: consisting of 3 atoms of Oxygen-Shields earth from sun’s UV rays

Implications of Global warming: Current Scenario: The UN Intergovernmental Panel

1987- Brundtland Commission or UN commission on Environment and Development

 Ecological harmony: (man and hi surroundings- humans, oceans, forests, wild

Criticisms/ Problems/ Issues with SD:

Examine the impact of Global Warming. (6)

Future Predictions (if global warming is unchecked):

1987- Brundtland Commission or UN commission on Environment and Development

 Ecological harmony: (man and hi surroundings- humans, oceans, forests, wild

Criticisms/ Problems/ Issues with SD:

3(a) (i) Discuss the nature/ characteristics of human rights

Paramountcy: Something of which no one can be deprived of without grave affront to

Practicability: HR claims can obviously never be made to what is physically impossible

Importance of RTI as a significant step in ensuring accountability(Also see

Can be used by any citizen- At minimal cost- makes govt alert

Reduces corruption- Impacts policy decisions - Empowers citizens to question or correct

5(a) Right to self determination

According to a 1970 UN General Assembly Declaration, implementation of the RSD

Use of repressive laws in Indian democracy(See Xeroxes from Bhagwat)

5(d) Homosexual movement

States involved in the NBA.

1(1)Environmental Degradation: Act or process of devaluing of and damage to the

1(3) Briefly indicate what CEDAW deals with.

CEDAW(1979): Convention on Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against

1(4) 2 examples of secession

1(5) Major Trade Unions operating in India

1(6) Issues highlighted by NBA

1(7) Hurdles in passing women’s Reservation Bill

1(9) 2 Indian states significantly affected by Naxal activities currently:

1(10 )What is the difference between cooperative and extorted corruption?

What is self determination?

According to a 1970 UN General Assembly Declaration, implementation of the RSD

Examples of secession in recent times:

WORLD WITHOUT BORDERS

Rao, St. Andrew’s College

This earth is our common heritage

1972: Lester Brown’s book: World without Border