Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction (50-60 words) Define the Smart Cities Mission (SCM): Start by briefly introducing the Smart Cities Mission, launched by the Indian government in 2015. Highlight its aim to create sustainable, inclusive cities with enhanced infrastructure, better quality ...
Model Answer Introduction The POCSO Act, 2012, represents a crucial legal framework designed to protect children from sexual offenses in India. Its strengths include gender-neutral provisions, the establishment of Special Courts, and a focus on the child’s welfare throughout the judicial process. SiRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The POCSO Act, 2012, represents a crucial legal framework designed to protect children from sexual offenses in India. Its strengths include gender-neutral provisions, the establishment of Special Courts, and a focus on the child’s welfare throughout the judicial process. Since its enactment, awareness and reporting of child sexual abuse have significantly increased. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), cases of child rape have surged by 96% from 2016 to 2022, signaling that more survivors are coming forward due to the law’s heightened visibility. Moreover, by May 2023, High Courts had disposed of over 169,000 cases under the Act.
However, the effectiveness of the POCSO Act is compromised by several key challenges. Time delays remain a significant obstacle. The Act mandates that cases should be disposed of within a year, but on average, it took around 509.78 days for a case to be resolved, with 89% of cases still pending by the end of 2019. This undermines the objective of delivering swift justice for child victims.
Another serious concern is the low conviction rate. Data reveals that 43.44% of trials end in acquittals, and only 14.03% result in convictions. This reflects inadequacies in the judicial process, making the law less effective in ensuring accountability for perpetrators. Furthermore, victim protection and support services are insufficient. A study by the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights found that only 15% of victims received compensation, which is far below what is necessary to support their recovery.
Additionally, the availability of exclusive POCSO Courts is limited. As of 2024, only 411 such courts are operational across India, leaving many districts without dedicated courts for handling these sensitive cases. The situation is further compounded by inconsistent enforcement: while Uttar Pradesh has the highest case pendency (77%), Tamil Nadu exhibits the highest disposal rate (80%), highlighting regional disparities in implementation.
In conclusion, while the POCSO Act, 2012, has led to increased awareness and reporting, challenges such as time delays, low conviction rates, inadequate victim support, and inconsistent enforcement hinder its overall effectiveness. Addressing these issues would significantly improve the law’s capacity to protect children from sexual abuse and ensure justice.
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Model Answer Introduction The Smart Cities Mission (SCM), launched in 2015, aims to transform urban India by creating sustainable, inclusive cities through smart solutions. The initiative focuses on improving core infrastructure, quality of life, and environmental sustainability. While the program hRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The Smart Cities Mission (SCM), launched in 2015, aims to transform urban India by creating sustainable, inclusive cities through smart solutions. The initiative focuses on improving core infrastructure, quality of life, and environmental sustainability. While the program has made notable progress, its effectiveness has been mixed, with both successes and challenges.
Key Achievements
By December 2023, 86% of the planned funding (₹49,000 crore) was released by the central government, demonstrating strong financial commitment. As of now, 57 cities have achieved 80-100% progress, and 6419 of the 7970 projects have been completed. Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs) have been successfully operationalized in all 100 cities, enhancing monitoring and management of urban infrastructure. These developments showcase the potential of SCM in fostering urban modernization.
Implementation Challenges
Despite these achievements, the SCM faces several hurdles that hinder its full potential. One of the significant issues is the ineffective governance model, particularly the frequent transfers of CEOs in Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), which affect continuity and accountability. Additionally, many cities struggle to meet their funding obligations, with only 28 cities receiving their full share from state or local governments. The Private-Public Partnership (PPP) model, which was expected to provide about 21% of funding, has seen limited success, with half of the cities failing to launch any projects under PPP.
Another concern is the intercity disparity in progress. While cities like Surat, Ahmedabad, and Pune are performing well, progress in Northeastern cities and other regions has been slow despite substantial central funding. Furthermore, the convergence of SCM with other government schemes, such as AMRUT and Swachh Bharat, has created difficulties due to multiple stakeholders, affecting the smooth implementation of projects.
Conclusion
The Smart Cities Mission has made important strides in urban development, but its effectiveness has been impeded by governance issues, funding challenges, and disparities in execution across regions. Addressing these challenges and ensuring better coordination and stakeholder engagement will be crucial for the long-term success of the initiative.
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