Table of Contents
Analysis of The Hindu Editorial 1 : From a republic to a republic of unequals
Contextual Background
India’s Constitution, adopted on November 26, 1949, envisioned an egalitarian society. However, the dominance of neoliberal ideologies today threatens this vision by perpetuating inequalities, both economic and social.
Introduction: Reflecting on 75 Years of Constitutional Governance
As India commemorates 75 years of its Constitution in 2024, it’s essential to revisit the debates that shaped our nation. The Constituent Assembly, with its diverse spectrum of ideologies, aimed to establish a democratic republic that valued inclusivity and equality.
The Liberal Foundation of Our Constitution
The framers of the Constitution embraced liberal principles while recognizing the need for state intervention to address social and economic disparities:
- Core Principles of Liberalism:
- Advocated for freedom from excessive state interference.
- Emphasized individual liberty as essential for intellectual and moral growth.
- Indian Adaptation of Liberalism:
- Realized that a “hands-off” approach would worsen existing inequalities.
- Introduced affirmative action and reservation policies to ensure fair opportunities.
Creating an Egalitarian Society: Constitutional Vision
The Constitution’s egalitarian goals resonate with John Rawls’ philosophy, promoting:
- Equal fundamental rights.
- Fair opportunities.
- A balanced approach to address differences.
Key Components:
- Fundamental Rights (Part III) and Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP, Part IV) together aim to reduce economic disparities and foster social justice.
- Article 38(2) mandates the state to minimize income and status inequalities.
- Article 39(c) seeks to prevent wealth concentration.
Judiciary’s Role in Upholding Equality
The Supreme Court has consistently interpreted the Constitution’s egalitarian ethos:
- D.S. Nakara Case (1982): Emphasized the state’s role in ensuring a decent standard of living.
- Air India Statutory Corporation (1996): Highlighted the Preamble, Fundamental Rights, and DPSP as pillars for an egalitarian order.
- Samatha Case (1997): Reinforced the aim to reduce income disparities.
Recent Challenges:
Some recent rulings have diverged from this stance, weakening protections against wealth concentration.
Economic Reforms and Rising Inequality
Post-1990s neoliberal reforms shifted focus towards privatization, sidelining the welfare state:
Impact of Reforms:
- Top 1% Wealth Surge: Income share jumped from 6% (1980s) to over 22% post-reforms.
- Current Inequality Levels: Studies by economists like Lucas Chancel and Thomas Piketty show alarming trends, with the top 1% holding over 22% of income and 40% of wealth.
Structural Changes and Their Consequences
Neoliberal policies prioritized market growth over social equity:
- Weakened Welfare State: Reduced state intervention exacerbated inequalities.
- Widening Wealth Gap: The top 1% of earners now control a larger income share than during British rule.
Inequality and Social Hierarchies
Economic disparity intersects with social stratification:
- Wealth Distribution by Caste:
- Upper Castes: Hold 90% of billionaire wealth.
- OBCs: Saw their share decrease from 20% (2014) to 10% (2022).
- Scheduled Tribes: Entirely absent from billionaire lists.
Oxfam Report Insight:
- The wealth gap is so severe that a minimum-wage worker would need 941 years to match a top executive’s annual earnings.
The Path Forward: Reaffirming Constitutional Ideals
Constitution Day is more than a celebration; it’s a call to action. We must critically assess our economic and social policies, realigning them with the Constitution’s egalitarian vision. As Dr. B.R. Ambedkar warned, social and economic inequality can jeopardize political democracy.
Conclusion
India’s constitutional promise of equality remains under siege by neoliberal forces that favor the wealthy elite. To honor our founders’ vision, we must recommit to reducing disparities and fostering a more just society. This requires a collective effort to ensure economic policies prioritize inclusivity, reflecting the Constitution’s true spirit.
Analysis of The Hindu Editorial 2 : An ideal way to treat India’s corneal blindness problem
Context: Addressing Preventable Vision Loss
India faces a critical shortage of corneal donations, despite widespread public support and pledges. A consent-driven approach can bridge this gap and prevent avoidable blindness, offering millions the gift of sight.
Introduction: The Urgent Need for Corneal Donations
Millions in India, including prominent public figures, have pledged to donate their eyes after death. Yet, only 30% of the annual need for 100,000 corneal transplants is being met. This shortfall leaves many in darkness, awaiting life-changing tissue donations.
On the supply side, thousands die in Indian hospitals daily, many eligible for corneal donation. However, without a systematic approach, these potential donations are often lost. Could a “presumed consent” policy be the answer? Indian policymakers are exploring this idea to ease the process of cornea retrieval.
Understanding Corneal Blindness: The Scope of the Challenge
What Causes Corneal Blindness?
The cornea—the clear, outermost layer of the eye—can become opaque due to:
- Infections
- Accidents
- Congenital conditions
The Statistics at a Glance:
- Affected Population: 1.2 million Indians live with corneal blindness.
- Treatable Cases: About one-third could regain sight through corneal transplants.
- Global Impact: India has one of the highest corneal blindness rates worldwide.
Solution: Corneal transplant surgery, the most common transplant globally, is highly effective. But success hinges on robust eye banks and skilled surgeons.
Key Challenges in India’s Eye Care System
Infrastructure Gaps:
- Eye Banks: India needs 50 high-quality eye banks; currently, only 12-14 meet this standard.
- Surgeons: 500 active corneal surgeons are required, each performing around 200 transplants annually.
Policy Framework:
- Implementing presumed consent legislation could streamline the donation process, potentially meeting the target of 100,000 transplants annually.
Presumed Consent vs. Required Request: Weighing the Options
What is Presumed Consent?
This approach assumes everyone is a donor unless they have explicitly opted out. It eliminates bureaucratic hurdles like obtaining family permission, which is crucial because corneas must be retrieved within 8-10 hours after death.
Pros:
- Faster retrieval process
- Increased tissue viability
Cons:
- Risk of eroding trust by bypassing family consent
- Public perception and ethical concerns
The Power of Consent: Why ‘Required Request’ Works Better
Successful Models Worldwide:
Countries with the highest donation rates (Spain, the U.S., Portugal) don’t rely on presumed consent. Instead, they focus on family-centered approaches like “soft opt-in” and “required request,” combined with strong public education and infrastructure investments.
India’s Proven Strategy: Hospital Cornea Retrieval Programs (HCRP)
- How it Works: Grief counselors in hospitals gently approach families of the deceased, encouraging donation.
- Outcome: Explicit consent ensures ethical integrity and builds public trust.
Real-World Impact:
At the L.V. Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI):
- Over 70% of their 140,000 harvested corneas came through HCRP.
- More than 50,000 transplants have been performed, eliminating waiting lists in states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha.
The Human Side of Eye Donation
Families often find solace knowing their loved one’s donation can restore someone else’s vision. This human connection fosters a culture of voluntary donation and strengthens the donor-recipient bond.
Conclusion: Moving Towards a Brighter Future
India can eliminate avoidable corneal blindness through a consent-driven model, backed by:
- Expanding high-quality eye banks
- Training 500 corneal surgeons
- Investing in public awareness and grief counseling
By respecting the sensitive nature of eye donation and empowering families to make informed choices, we can uphold ethical standards and honor our constitutional values. Let’s act decisively to give millions the chance to see a brighter tomorrow.
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