What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Rules on 'integrity of services'
• Rules for probationers
• Allegations against Khedkar

Why in News?

The Centre has set up a single-member committee under the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to review the documents submitted by IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, who secured a rank of 821 in the 2022 UPSC Civil Services Examination. 

Khedkar was allotted the IAS under the OBC and Physically Handicapped quotas. Questions have been raised about her appointment under these categories.

It should be noted that Khedkar’s actions as a civil servant are governed primarily by two rules: the All-India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, and the Indian Administrative Service (Probation) Rules, 1954.

Rules on 'integrity of services

• Rules
  • All IAS, Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Forest Service (IFoS) officers are governed by the All-India Services (Conduct) Rules from the time they join their respective services, and begin their probation period.
• Integrity and Devotion to Duty
  • According to Rule 3(1), officers must uphold absolute integrity and dedication to their duties at all times.
• Gifts and Benefits
  • Rule 11(1) regulates the gifts and benefits received by a civil servant.
  • Acceptance of gifts is limited to those from near relatives, with strict reporting requirements for any gift exceeding Rs 25,000 to prevent influence on their duties.
  • This rule also prohibits officers from engaging in any trade or business to maintain impartiality and prevent conflicts of interest.
• Unbecoming of an officer
  • Rule 4(1) is more specific about what is unbecoming. 
  • It states that officers must not use their position or influence to secure employment for any member of his family with any private undertaking or NGO.
• Property details
  • Rule 13 of the All-India Services (Conduct) Rules mandates that officers must annually submit property returns. 
  • These returns must detail all immovable properties that officers or their family members own, inherit, acquire, or hold through lease or mortgage. 
  • This requirement ensures transparency and prevents illicit accumulation of wealth among civil servants.
• Sub-rules added in 2014
  • In 2014, the government added a few sub-rules. 
  • This included that officers should maintain: 
    • high ethical standards, integrity and honesty; 
    • political neutrality; 
    • accountability and transparency; 
    • responsiveness to the public, particularly to the weaker sections; 
    • courtesy and good behaviour with the public.

Rules for probationers

• Rules
  • There is an additional set of rules that govern the conduct of officers during their probation period, which lasts for at least two years after selection to the services.
    • IAS officers, in addition, are governed by the IAS (Probation) Rules during their probation period.
• Probation Conditions
  • Officers undergo training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie. 
  • At the end of two years, they must pass an examination to be confirmed in their service.
• Salary and Allowances
  • Probationers receive a fixed salary and travel allowance but do not have entitlements like an official car, official accommodation, or an official chamber with staff.
• Probationer Discharge
  • Rule 12 outlines circumstances under which probationers can be discharged, such as being found ineligible or unsuitable for the service by the central government, neglecting duties, or lacking essential qualities needed for the service.
• Enquiry Process
  • If disciplinary action is initiated against a probationer, a summary enquiry is conducted by a committee appointed by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). 
  • The committee submits its report within two weeks to inform decisions regarding the probationer's status.

Allegations against Khedkar

• Puja Khedkar, despite her low rank, secured a position in the prestigious IAS through reservations meant for OBC and Persons with Disabilities (PH). 
  • Since the batch of 1995, 27% seats in the services have been reserved for the OBC category. 
  • The PH reservation was introduced with the batch of 2006 — 3% seats in every category (General, OBC, SC, and ST) are reserved for the differently abled.
• However, allegations have surfaced regarding the validity of her OBC and PH certificates. 
  • If these allegations are proven true — that she falsified these certificates — Khedkar faces potential discharge from service.
    • Probationers are discharged, while confirmed officers are dismissed.
• The issue is compounded by a legal battle over her PH status, where she failed to attend a medical examination required by the UPSC, citing reasons including a Covid-19 infection. 
• Critics have raised questions about her eligibility for OBC (non-creamy layer) benefits, highlighting her family's background in politics and her father's former government service.
  • For those whose parents work in the private sector, the current threshold to qualify for the non-creamy layer status is an income of under Rs 8 lakh annually. 
  • For those with parents who work in the public sector, income is not taken into account. 
  • Rather, as per DoPT rules, what qualifies people to be in the creamy layer is either parent becoming a Group-A official before the age of 40, or both being Group-B officials with similar ranks.

Q.1. What is Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)?

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is India's premier central recruiting agency responsible for conducting examinations and selecting candidates for civil services and various government positions, ensuring merit-based selection and adherence to constitutional provisions.

Q.2. What is Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT)?

The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) is a key department under the Government of India responsible for personnel management, training, and administrative reforms, overseeing policies related to recruitment, service conditions, and career development of civil servants.

Source: Puja Khedkar controversy: What are the rules governing civil servants

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in the News?
• About Indian Council of Agricultural Research
• Functions of ICAR
• News Summary
• About One Scientist One Product Program
• ICAR’s Aim to Develop High-yielding Seeds

Why in the News?

• The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) will launch its ‘One Scientist-One Product’ programme on July 16 to improve research in the field of agriculture and animal husbandry.

About Indian Council of Agricultural Research

• The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) was established in 1929 as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
• It is an autonomous organisation under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
• The Council is the apex body for co-ordinating, guiding and managing research and education in agriculture including horticulture, fisheries and animal sciences in the entire country.
• The ICAR has played a pioneering role in ushering Green Revolution and subsequent developments in agriculture in India through its research and technology development.
• Headquarters: New Delhi

Functions of ICAR

• Agricultural Research and Development:
  • Conducts and promotes research in various fields of agriculture, including crop science, animal science, horticulture, fisheries, natural resource management, and agricultural engineering.
  • Develops new technologies, practices, and innovations to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability.
• Education and Training:
  • Oversees agricultural education and ensures high standards through a network of agricultural universities and colleges.
  • Provides training and capacity-building programs for farmers, extension workers, and scientists to disseminate knowledge and skills.
• Policy Support and Advisory Role:
  • Advises the government on policy matters related to agriculture, food security, and rural development.
  • Supports the formulation of national agricultural policies and strategies.
• Extension Services:
  • Implements extension programs to transfer technology from research labs to the fields.
  • Works closely with state agricultural universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and other extension agencies to provide farmers with timely information and assistance.
• Resource Management:
  • Focuses on the conservation and sustainable management of natural resources, including soil, water, and biodiversity.
  • Develops and promotes practices that enhance resource-use efficiency and environmental sustainability.

News Summary

• The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) will launch its "One Scientist-One Product" program on July 16 to enhance research in agriculture and animal husbandry.
• This initiative will coincide with the release of 323 varieties of 56 crops, including cereals, oilseeds, forage crops, and sugarcane, during an event in Delhi on the 96th foundation day of ICAR. Among these, 289 are climate-resilient and 27 are bio-fortified varieties.
• Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will inaugurate the "One Scientist-One Product" program.

About One Scientist One Product Program

• ICAR Director-General Himanshu Pathak explained that each of ICAR's 5,521 scientists will be tasked with developing a product, technology, model, concept, or notable publication.
• Scientists will identify their project at the start of each year, with progress monitored quarterly at the institute level and biannually at the headquarters.
• This program will run for five years, with an initial focus on high-yielding oilseeds and pulses.

ICAR’s Aim to Develop High-yielding Seeds

• Dr. Pathak also mentioned that ICAR aims to develop 100 new seed varieties and 100 farm technologies within 100 days as part of the Centre’s action plan, with plans to have Prime Minister Narendra Modi launch these programs by mid-September.
• In a recent update, ICAR noted that breeder seeds have helped cultivate about 16 million hectares (Mha) with bio-fortified crops like wheat, rice, pearl millet, lentil, and mustard in 2023-24. Since 2014-15, ICAR has released 2,593 high-yielding varieties, including 2,177 climate-resilient and 150 bio-fortified varieties.

This effort has boosted production even during challenging years.

Q1. When did the Green Revolution start in India?

The Green Revolution in India was first introduced in Punjab in late 1966-67 as part of a development program issued by international donor agencies and the Government of India.

Q2. What is the High Yielding Variety of Seeds?

High Yielding Variety Seeds (HYV seeds) are resistant to insects and diseases and have a high yielding capacity. These seeds are of better quality and are a better option for surplus and healthy production of crops. The high yielding variety of seeds played an important role in the Green Revolution of India.

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Major Fleet Expansions and Infrastructure Investments 
• Regulatory frameworks for the aviation sector
• Way forward

Why in News?

The privatisation of Air India in 2022, transferring ownership from the government to Tata Sons, marked a significant milestone and a bold reform since the second wave of liberalisation in 2004. 

This strategic transformation is anticipated to stabilize the airline sector and positively impact the entire value chain, potentially extending benefits beyond India's borders.

Major Fleet Expansions and Infrastructure Investments 

• Fleet expansion
  • Since 2022, significant developments in India's airline sector include Air India's order for a record 470 aircraft and IndiGo's rapid growth with a fleet of about 370 aircraft and more than 980 on order. 
  • This could double the country's fleet of nearly 700 aircraft by 2030. 
    • It took the Indian industry about 90 years from the time of the first commercial flight to reach a fleet size of 700 aircraft. 
    • But the rate of growth is so strong that carriers could add a further 600-700 aircraft in just the next 5-7 years.
• Robust airline system and growth in traffic
  • Air India's $6.5 billion investment and IndiGo's record $1 billion profitability in FY2024 indicate a robust airline system. 
  • Despite supply-chain challenges, domestic and international traffic grew by 13% and 22%, respectively, in FY2024.
• Efforts to enhance airport infrastructure
  • To support this expansion, India is enhancing airport infrastructure with a $11 billion investment pipeline. 
  • In the National Capital Region, Delhi International Airport will expand capacity to 130-140 million passengers annually, complemented by the new Noida International Airport opening in April 2025 with a 70 million capacity. 
  • The Mumbai Metropolitan Region will also have a dual airport system, handling 145 million passengers annually. 
  • The Adani Group is expanding capacity at six non-metro airports, and the Airports Authority of India is investing $4 billion to enhance non-metro capacity. 
  • Greenfield airports are also planned for Chennai and Pune.

Regulatory frameworks for the aviation sector

• National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016 guides the Indian aviation sector.
• Aviation policy is broad-based in India and is dealt with by the Ministry of Civil Aviation under the legal framework of the Aircraft Act 1934, and Aircraft Rules 1937. 
• The DGCA is the statutory regulatory authority which comes in for issues related to safety, licensing, airworthiness, and so on.
• Airports Authority of India (AAI) manages and operates airports and provides air traffic management services.
• Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) is responsible for laying down standards and measures for the security of civil flights and airports.
• Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) regulates tariffs and other charges for aeronautical services provided at major airports. 
  • It also monitors performance standards of such services.
• Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) - UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) aims to make air travel affordable and widespread by enhancing regional air connectivity through financial incentives, subsidies, and infrastructural support.

Way forward

• Provide incentives for investment in skilling, training, and education
  • The rapid growth of India's aviation industry could lead to skill shortages, particularly among technical staff like pilots, maintenance engineers, and technicians. 
  • The new DGCA duty and rest norms for pilots could increase pilot demand by 15%. 
  • There are also shortages in air-traffic controllers and security personnel. 
  • Thus, the Budget should provide incentives for investment in skilling, training, and education.
• Restructuring of institutions
  • Restructuring the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security is necessary to address challenges from technological disruptions and environmental issues. 
  • Corporatising air traffic control by hiving off Air Navigation Services from AAI could improve capital access for system investments.
• Rationalisation of taxes
  • The Budget should consider rationalising taxes, which currently account for nearly 20% of an airline's quarterly revenue, including state levies on aviation turbine fuel.

Q.1. What is Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)?

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is India's statutory regulatory authority overseeing civil aviation safety, airworthiness, licensing, and regulations, operating under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, ensuring compliance with the Aircraft Act 1934 and Aircraft Rules 1937.

Q.2. What is Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) - UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik)?

The Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) - UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) aims to enhance regional air connectivity in India by making air travel affordable through financial incentives, subsidies, and infrastructural support, targeting underserved and unserved airports.

Source: Need a stronger aviation ecosystem to brace for 2X fleet expansion in 5-6 years | The Hindu

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What are Foreigners’ Tribunals?
• Why are FTs under Criticism in Assam?
• How the SC’s Verdict Humanised Citizenship Law in India?
• The Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) 2019
• National Register of Citizens (NRC)

Why in News?

• The Supreme Court declared an Assam resident (Md Rahim Ali) a citizen of India, overturning the decision of a Foreigners’ Tribunal (FT) in the state.
• Because of minor discrepancies in spellings and dates in the documents produced by him, the FT declared him a foreigner, holding that he had entered India illegally on or after the cut-off date of March 25, 1971.

What are Foreigners’ Tribunals?

• These are quasi-judicial bodies entrusted with determining the citizenship status of those accused of being or labelled as foreigners.
• These are established as per the Foreigners’ Act 1946 and the Foreigners’ Tribunal Order 1964.
• The Foreigners Act 1946 is a colonial legislation that preceded the Constitution of India.
• Post-independence, the Foreigners’ Tribunals were established in 1964 by an executive order of the Home Ministry.
• Under Article 323B of the Constitution (inserted by the Constitution [42nd Amendment] Act 1976), tribunals may be established (by the appropriate legislature) by law.

Why are FTs under Criticism in Assam?

• About 3 lakh people in Assam were declared Doubtful Voters in 1997 without any inquiry or notice. They were excluded from the Assam National Register of Citizens (NRC).
• Although the Foreigners’ Tribunal Order of 1964 mandates that notices shall mention the “main grounds”, notices issued by FTs generally do not mention any ground.
• Until March 2019, as many as 1.17 lakh people had been declared foreigners, and people had to defend themselves without knowing the charges.
  • This is because the Foreigners Act 1946 puts the burden of proof on the person who is alleged to be a foreigner.
• The recent SC judgement could have an immediate positive bearing on the cases pending with the FTs.

How the SC’s Verdict Humanised Citizenship Law in India?

• On the burden of proof: While the burden of proof may be on the accused under the Foreigners Act, the apex court held that this burden is to be discharged only after the state has shared the material on which the allegation is founded.
  • The supply of this material is an integral part of the classic rule of natural justice - no one shall be condemned unheard.
• Minor discrepancies in documents cannot result in loss of citizenship: The judgement will alleviate the anxieties of many people worried about minor spelling mistakes in their and their parents’ names following the enactment of the CAA 2019, and the proposal to have a nationwide NRC.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) 2019:

• About:
  • The Act seeks to amend the definition of illegal immigrant for Hindu, Sikh, Parsi, Buddhist, Jains and Christian (but not Muslim) immigrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, who have lived in India without documentation.
  • They will be granted fast track Indian citizenship in 5 years (11 years earlier).
  • The Act (which amends the Citizenship Act 1955) also provides for cancellation of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) registration where the OCI card-holder has violated any provision of the Citizenship Act or any other law in force.
• Who is eligible?
  • The CAA 2019 applies to those who were forced or compelled to seek shelter in India due to persecution on the ground of religion. It aims to protect such people from proceedings of illegal migration.
  • The cut-off date for citizenship is December 31, 2014, which means the applicant should have entered India on or before that date.
  • The act will not apply to areas covered by the Constitution's sixth schedule, which deals with autonomous tribal-dominated regions in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
  • Additionally, the act will not apply to states that have an inner-line permit regime (Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Mizoram).

National Register of Citizens (NRC):

• About NRC:
  • The NRC is an official record of those who are legal Indian citizens. It is mandated by the 2003 amendment of the Citizenship Act, 1955.
  • It includes demographic information about all the legal citizens of India so that the illegal immigrants can be identified and deported.
  • So far, such a database has only been maintained for the state of Assam.
• Why was NRC updated for Assam?
  • A write petition had been filed before the SC demanding the deletion of illegal migrants' names from voter lists in Assam.
  • In 2014, the SC ordered the updation of the NRC, in accordance with Citizenship Act, 1955 and Citizenship Rules, 2003 in all parts of Assam.
  • An individual had to demonstrate that they or their ancestors were in Assam on or before March 24, 1971.
  • The process officially started in 2015 and the updated final NRC was released on August 31, 2019, with over 1.9 million applicants failing to make it to the NRC list.
  • Those who were not included in the final NRC list or were tagged as 'D' (doubtful) have the right to file an appeal with the Foreigners Tribunal.
  • Only Foreigners Tribunals have the authority to declare a person a foreigner.

Q.1. What is Article 323B of the Indian Constitution?

Article 323B of the Indian Constitution provides for the establishment of tribunals for the adjudication of disputes in various matters. These tribunals play a crucial role in ensuring efficient and specialized resolution of disputes in specific areas.

Q.2. Why was the Foreigners Act 1946 enacted?

The Foreigners Act empowers the Indian government to detain a person until deportation back to their country of origin.

Source: 12 years after Assam man was declared a foreigner, Supreme Court restores citizenship: ‘A miscarriage of justice’ | IE