Public Policy and Governance - Assignment 1

Public policy and governance - Assignment 1
News 1
Title: Nicobar project will not disturb or displace tribes: Environment Minister Bhupendra
Yadav
Date: August 25, 2024 By: Jacob Koshy
Summary
In the article, Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav has assured that the Great Nicobar Project, which
includes building a port and airport, will not disrupt or displace the Shompens, an indigenous tribe of the
Nicobar Islands. In his response to concerns from Congress MP Jairam Ramesh, Yadav explained that the
₹72,000-crore project aims to address Chinese expansionism, reduce Myanmarese poaching, fill
infrastructure gaps, and boost international trade. He also stated that the area is not expected to face a
major earthquake like the 2004 tsunami for another 400 to 700 years.
Ramesh had previously asked for the project's environmental clearances to be revoked and for
Parliamentary reviews, citing concerns such as the diversion of 13,075 hectares of forest land,
prohibited construction in coastal zones, and lack of tribal consent. He argued that the project
was being pushed without proper permissions from the Shompen and Nicobarese tribes and that
existing laws on tribal consent were not followed. Ramesh also criticized the transparency of a
high-powered committee’s findings on these issues.
Yadav responded that consultations with tribal councils were conducted through the Andaman
Adim Janjati Vikas Samiti, and the Tribal Council Chairman attended these meetings. However,
it was reported that the council later withdrew its support and that the administration had not
recognized or granted forest land ownership to the tribes as per the Forest Rights Act. Yadav's
letter did not address these issues directly but mentioned that no objections were raised during
the statutory period for the Forest Rights Act. He also pointed out that compensation provisions
are in place for those losing land due to the project.
Regarding seismic risks, Yadav mentioned that an earthquake like the 2004 tsunami would likely
occur again only after 420 to 750 years. He also noted that the project will adhere to the National
Building Code standards and that it will be developed over 30 years in phases. He claimed that
the number of trees cut would be about half of the initially estimated 9.64 lakh.
Existing policy for forest management and rights

The Forest Rights Act (2006) recognizes the rights of forest-dwelling communities, allowing them to
manage and use forest resources. It addresses historical injustices by granting both individual and
community rights, formalizing their access to and control over forest lands and resources.
In the context of the Nicobar project, concerns were raised about whether the Act’s provisions
were followed, especially regarding tribal consent and land recognition
Conclusion
To improve how the Forest Rights Act is used for the Nicobar project, we should:
 Speed up how we give forest rights, like making home permits faster.
 Create independent teams to check if the law is being followed, like building inspectors.
 Involve local communities in project decisions, like getting tenant approval for big
changes.
These steps will better protect tribal rights and land.
News 2
Title: Investing in persons with disabilities
Date: August 26, 2024 By: Rajesh Ranjan
Summary
The narrative is around investing in persons with disabilities (PwDs) highlighting several critical
areas for improvement in India, particularly in education, employment, and societal attitudes.
A 2023 report indicates that less than 1% of educational institutions in India are disabled-
friendly. Many schools lack essential infrastructure such as ramps and accessible restrooms. The
lack of implementation of existing reservations and incentives under the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities Act, 2016, further exacerbates the issue. In employment, data from Nifty 50
constituent companies show that only five companies have more than 1% of PwDs on their
payroll, with four of these being public sector enterprises. Despite legislative mandates, there is
inadequate implementation of diversity policies, and few companies have robust compliance
mechanisms. International examples, such as those from Harvard and Stanford, demonstrate
effective models of support for PwDs, but such practices are rare in Indian universities.
PwDs face pervasive social stigma, often being perceived as objects of pity or ridicule rather
than as individuals with their own identities and potential. This negative portrayal impacts their
social inclusion and dignity. There is a pressing need for greater societal and institutional
investment in PwDs to address these challenges. For instance, Brazil’s employment model,
which mandates that companies hire PwDs, and Japan’s subsidy system offer useful frameworks
for India to consider.
Overall, addressing these issues requires concerted efforts from both public and private sectors to
create inclusive environments and support mechanisms for PwDs. This includes better
implementation of policies, enhanced infrastructure, and societal changes to improve dignity and
representation.
Existing policy for Persons with Disabilities and rights
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPWD Act) is a law in India designed to
ensure that people with disabilities have the same opportunities and rights as everyone else.
It aims to ensure equal opportunities for PwDs in India, but faces several challenges.
Implementation is often inadequate, with many schools and workplaces lacking necessary
accommodations like ramps and accessible restrooms. Employment of PwDs remains low
despite legislative provisions, and many companies fail to enforce effective diversity policies.
There is also a lack of awareness and training about the Act’s provisions among employers and
the public, and the Act does not fully address the social stigma that impacts the dignity and
inclusion of PwDs.
Conclusion
To make the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, work better, we need to take several
steps: ensure schools and workplaces follow the rules by regularly checking; make sure facilities
have necessary features like ramps and accessible restrooms; educate and train employers and
the public on how to support PwDs; encourage companies to have strong diversity policies; run
campaigns to fight negative stereotypes and promote respect for PwDs; and provide extra
support like counseling and mentorship. By doing these things, we can help create a more
inclusive society where PwDs are given equal opportunities and treated with dignity.

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Public policy and governance - Assignment 1

Existing policy for forest management and rights

These steps will better protect tribal rights and land.

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