Current Affair 15th Nov to 30th Nov

Current Affair 15th Nov to 30th Nov

1.   About the News:

To mark the 123rd birth anniversary of renowned artist Sobha Singh, a series of art exhibitions, workshops, and student competitions are being held from November 27 to November 29, 2024. The Sobha Singh Memorial Art Society has collaborated with organizations in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab to host multiple events celebrating the life and works of the celebrated artist. One major event includes a three-day exhibition and workshop on traditional textiles of India and Japan, which will be held at the Sobha Singh Art Gallery at Andretta. The workshop, “The Sisterhood,” draws inspiration from Sobha Singh’s 1955 paintings, such as The Sisters of the Spinning Wheel and Panjabi Bride.

Highlights:

• The Sisterhood Workshop: The workshop will explore the cultural and technical aspects of Punjab’s Phulkari embroidery and Japan’s Sashiko stitching, aiming to bridge the agrarian roots and historical significance of these art forms.
• Art Festival: In Bathinda, an art festival will be hosted from November 28 to December 1, featuring a live painting competition with 400 student participants.
• Handicraft Exhibition: From November 27, a local handicraft exhibition will showcase handmade products from rural women, including bamboo, pine needle crafts, and “best out of waste” creations.
• Cultural Celebrations: A poetic symposium, slide shows, documentaries, and demonstrations on local folk arts and miniature paintings are planned, alongside a chance to taste Kangra valley delicacies like mithroo and sancholu.
• Sobha Singh Kala Puraskar: The prestigious award will be presented to art historian Kishori Lal Vaidy for his contributions to art and Sobha Singh’s philosophy.

Important Works of Sobha Singh:

• The Sisters of the Spinning Wheel (1955): A painting inspired by traditional Indian culture, which was the subject of the “Sisterhood” workshop.
• Panjabi Bride: This iconic painting celebrates the cultural heritage of Punjab, showcasing the traditional bridal attire and symbolism.
• Portraits of Sikh Gurus: Sobha Singh’s work is known for depicting the lives and teachings of Sikh Gurus with great reverence.
• Heer Ranjha and Sohni Mahiwal: His portrayal of the famous romantic folk tales of Punjab.
• Bhagat Singh Portrait: His rendering of the iconic freedom fighter became an emblematic part of the Indian independence movement.

About Sobha Singh:

Born in 1901 in Gurdaspur, Punjab, Sobha Singh was a pioneering artist who spent much of his life in Andretta, Himachal Pradesh. After serving in the army, he opened his art studio in Amritsar and later moved to Andretta in 1949, where he became renowned for his portraits and depictions of Sikh history and Punjab’s folk culture. His works continue to be celebrated for their deep cultural and spiritual significance. Sobha Singh’s paintings focused largely on Sikh Gurus, folk tales, and portraits of historical figures, making him one of the most influential artists in India. His legacy is carried forward through the Sobha Singh Memorial Art Society, which promotes his philosophy of “Grow More Good.”

2.   About the News:

The four-day international Lavi Fair, showcasing Indo-Tibetan trade relations, began in Rampur, Shimla, while the five-day Shri Renuka Ji Fair in Sirmaur district also commenced, celebrating the mother-son reunion of Goddess Renuka and Lord Parshuram.

Highlights:

• Lavi Fair: Held in Rampur, the fair is an important trade event known for woollen garments and dry fruits, attracting a large number of buyers. It also features cultural performances from various states.
• Shri Renuka Ji Fair: In Sirmaur, the fair was inaugurated by CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and celebrates the reunion of Goddess Renuka and Lord Parshuram, with religious processions and cultural programs.

About the Renuka Ji Festival:

The Shri Renuka Ji Fair is a prominent religious and cultural event celebrated in Sirmaur district, symbolizing the reunion of Goddess Renuka and her son, Lord Parshuram. It begins with the arrival of Lord Parshuram’s palanquin at Renuka Lake, followed by traditional prayers and cultural nights. The fair is held annually in November, drawing thousands of devotees and tourists for religious ceremonies, vibrant processions, and cultural performances.

Importance:

This fair holds immense religious significance for Hindus, particularly in Himachal Pradesh. It is also an important cultural event that highlights regional traditions and rituals, fostering unity and community participation. The fair plays a key role in the preservation of local customs and in promoting tourism.

History:

The Renuka Ji Fair has deep historical roots, symbolizing the mythological reunion of Goddess Renuka with her son, Lord Parshuram. The legend is central to the area’s cultural identity, and the fair has been celebrated for centuries, marking it as one of the oldest religious fairs in Himachal Pradesh.

Q3 About the News:

The Radha Soami Satsang Beas charitable hospital in Bhota, Himachal Pradesh, is set to close from December 1, sparking protests by locals demanding continued medical services. The state government is considering amending the Himachal Land Ceiling Act, 1972, to resolve the issue.

Highlights:

• The 75-bed hospital, operational since 2000, provides free medical services to over 900 villages within a 15-km radius.
• Protesters demand assurance from the government for continued hospital operations, emphasizing its crucial role in the region.
• The sect has requested land transfer to its sister organization for GST exemptions needed for hospital upgrades.
• The closure notice followed unresolved issues under the state’s land ceiling laws.

About the Act:

The Himachal Pradesh Land Ceiling Act, 1972, limits land ownership for individuals and organizations to curb land monopolization and promote equitable land use. Exceptions are granted for public benefit projects like cooperatives and hydroelectric ventures.

Problem with the Act:

• The hospital’s land cannot be transferred to its sister organization under current legal provisions.
• The government proposes a one-time exemption through an ordinance to amend the Act, allowing land transfer with certain conditions, including transfer fees based on market value.
• This amendment requires approval from both the state cabinet and the President of India due to constitutional protections granted to the Act.

Implications:

• The proposed changes aim to ensure the hospital’s continuity while maintaining state interests.
• Critics argue that granting special exemptions might set a precedent affecting land reform policies in the state.

3.   About the Himachal Pradesh Ceiling on Land Holdings Act, 1972

The Himachal Pradesh Ceiling on Land Holdings Act, 1972 was enacted to regulate land ownership and ensure equitable land distribution. This Act aligns with the Directive Principles of State Policy under Article 39(b) and (c) of the Indian Constitution, which emphasize that ownership and control of resources should benefit the public at large.

Key Purposes of the Act:

1. Equitable Land Distribution:
   • Imposes a ceiling on the maximum amount of agricultural land that an individual or family can own.
   • Ensures surplus land is redistributed among the landless or for public purposes.
2. Land Reforms:
   • Addresses disparities in land ownership, targeting large landholders.
   • Repeals and consolidates earlier laws like the Punjab Security of Land Tenures Act and Himachal Pradesh Abolition of Big Landed Estates and Land Reforms Act.
3. Economic and Social Development:
   • Aims to improve agricultural productivity by redistributing excess land to those who can cultivate it effectively.
   • Supports marginalized groups, including Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, by prioritizing them in land allocation.
4. Regulation of Land Use:
   • Restricts non-agricultural use of agricultural lands without government approval.
   • Prevents unregulated transfers of agricultural land to maintain the balance in land holdings.
5. Redistribution of Surplus Land:
   • Surplus land vests with the state government and is allotted to eligible beneficiaries like landless individuals or small farmers.
6. Encouragement of Sustainable Practices:
   • Provisions for proper land utilization and conservation to ensure long-term benefits.

The Act also includes exemptions for government projects, tea estates, and cooperative societies while setting strict guidelines for their operation. It remains a cornerstone of Himachal Pradesh’s agrarian reforms and rural development policies.

Also the Key Purpose :

1. Reduce Land Inequality

• Large tracts of land were historically concentrated in the hands of a few individuals or families, creating economic disparities.
• The Act aimed to redistribute surplus land to landless farmers and marginalized communities, promoting social justice.

2. Constitutional Mandate

• As per the Directive Principles of State Policy in the Indian Constitution, particularly Article 39(b) and (c), resources like land should be distributed equitably to avoid concentration in a few hands.
• Himachal Pradesh, being a predominantly agrarian state, required such reforms to empower small and marginal farmers.

3. Boost Agricultural Productivity

• Land reforms, including capping land holdings, were seen as a way to ensure better utilization of agricultural land.
• Redistribution to landless farmers encouraged active cultivation, reducing wastage of fertile land.

4. Curb Feudal Practices

• The Act targeted feudal systems that allowed landowners to control vast areas, often leading to exploitation of tenant farmers.
• This was in line with nationwide efforts to abolish zamindari (landlordism) and other oppressive landholding systems.

5. Economic Empowerment of Marginalized Groups

• By prioritizing land distribution to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other disadvantaged groups, the Act sought to address systemic inequalities.
• It provided opportunities for economic self-reliance and reduced dependence on exploitative systems.

6. Prevent Speculation and Land Monopoly

• By capping the amount of land an individual or family could own, the Act prevented speculative hoarding and land monopolization, ensuring that land remained a productive resource.

7. Land Use Rationalization

• Surplus land, vested in the government, was intended for redistribution or public purposes, such as infrastructure development or housing projects.

8. Aligning with National Policies

• Land ceiling acts were part of a broader nationwide movement during the 1950s and 60s to implement land reforms.
• Himachal Pradesh followed suit with the 1972 Act, tailored to its unique geographical and agrarian context.

The Himachal Pradesh Ceiling on Land Holdings Act, 1972, remains a landmark legislation aimed at achieving socio-economic equity and sustainable development in the state. It was a significant step toward ensuring that the state’s agrarian resources benefited a larger section of its population.

The Himachal Pradesh Ceiling on Land Holdings Act, 1972, was enacted to consolidate and amend laws concerning the ceiling on land ownership in the state. It aims to ensure equitable distribution of land and promote efficient agricultural practices while aligning with the Directive Principles of State Policy under Article 39 of the Indian Constitution.

Provisions of the Act

1. Permissible Land Holdings:
   • 10 acres for land under assured irrigation producing two crops annually.
   • 15 acres for land under assured irrigation producing one crop annually.
   • 30 acres for other types of land, including orchards.
   • For areas in tribal districts like Lahaul-Spiti, Pangi, and Dodra Kwar, the limit is extended to 70 acres.
2. Separate Units: Adult sons are treated as separate units for determining permissible holdings, but the combined total of a family and its units cannot exceed twice the prescribed limits.
3. Excess Land: Any land exceeding the permissible area is deemed surplus and vests in the state government for redistribution or other public purposes.

Exemptions under the Act: The Act provides exemptions for

• Lands owned by the central or state governments.
• Cooperative farming societies.
• Religious and spiritual bodies promoting moral or secular teachings.
• Tea estates and industrial undertakings, subject to conditions.
• Land under bona fide industrial or hydropower project use as notified by the state government.

Article 118 and the Issue

• Section 118 of the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy and Land Reforms Act, 1972, is relevant. It restricts the transfer of land ownership in the state to non-agriculturists.
• The land ceiling laws and Section 118 together ensures that large landholdings remain equitably distributed and prevent exploitation or misuse of land resources.

4.   About the News:

A special workshop on the traditional art of Chamba Rumal embroidery was held at H2O House in Chaminoo village, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. Organized by Aahilya Holidays and the NGO Not On Map, it attracted 15 art enthusiasts from the US and UK, who explored the history and craftsmanship of this intricate needlework.

Highlights:

• Artistic Showcase: Eminent artists like Padma Shri awardee Lalita Vakil, National Award winners Anjali Vakil and Dinesh Kumari, and others conducted the workshop.
• Cultural Performances: Students from Kids International Public School performed Gaddi tribal dances, enriching the cultural experience.
• Responsible Tourism: The workshop, part of a broader textile and art tour, aimed to connect international tourists with the region’s heritage, including stops in Dharamshala (Thangka painting) and Kullu (shawl-making).
• Global Recognition: The event helped spread awareness about Chamba Rumal embroidery to international audiences, showcasing the rich culture of Himachal Pradesh.

History of Chamba Rumal:

The Chamba Rumal, meaning “Chamba handkerchief,” is a traditional embroidery art originating from Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. Its roots trace back to the Mughal period, influenced by the miniature painting style of the region. Traditionally, these rumals were used as ceremonial gifts during marriages and other auspicious occasions.

Key features include:

• Embroidery Technique: Double-sided stitching (do-rukha technique) with vibrant silk threads.
• Themes: Mythological stories, royal life, and nature scenes, often inspired by Pahari paintings.
• Significance: The Chamba Rumal reflects the artistic convergence of embroidery and painting, making it a unique cultural artifact.
• Global Recognition: It was granted the GI tag in 2007, affirming its cultural and geographical significance.

This workshop is part of efforts to preserve and promote the craft globally, connecting it to both local artisans and international art lovers.

5.   About the News:

The Himachal Pradesh cabinet has approved the upgrade of three municipal councils—Hamirpur, Una, and Baddi-Barotiwala—into municipal corporations, increasing the state’s total to eight. Additionally, two nagar panchayats (Naidun and Kunihar) will be upgraded to municipal councils, and six new nagar panchayats will be formed.

Highlights:

• New Urban Local Bodies (ULBs): Approval for three new municipal corporations, two upgraded municipal councils, and six newly created nagar panchayats.

Benefits : Converting a municipal council into a municipal corporation brings several benefits, especially for towns experiencing rapid urbanization. Below are the key advantages:

1. Increased Financial Resources

• Access to Additional Funding: Municipal corporations can tap into larger state and central government funds, including schemes like AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) or Smart Cities Mission.
• Tax Revenue: Enhanced powers to levy and collect property taxes, entertainment taxes, and other revenue streams enable better resource generation.

2. Improved Infrastructure Development

• Corporations typically have more resources and autonomy for large-scale urban infrastructure projects, such as roads, drainage, and public utilities.
• Examples: Newly converted corporations like Dharamshala have seen investments in waste management and road infrastructure under state-supported urban development schemes.

3. Better Governance

• Dedicated Administrative Structure: Municipal corporations have a Commissioner and specific departments, improving efficiency in decision-making and service delivery.
• Decentralized Decision-Making: Greater autonomy compared to municipal councils, reducing dependency on district or state-level authorities.

4. Enhanced Urban Planning

• Corporations can develop comprehensive urban plans, including zoning, land use, and public transport, tailored to meet the demands of a growing population.
• Example: Shimla Municipal Corporation improved urban management systems through specialized urban planning departments.

5. Focus on Public Services

• Larger corporations typically offer better public services such as water supply, waste management, and public health facilities.
• Corporations also attract more private investment for services like public transportation and energy-efficient systems.

6. Improved Employment Opportunities

• Expansion of civic bodies often results in job creation within municipal departments, enhancing local employment prospects.
• Growth in trade and industry, stimulated by improved urban infrastructure, generates additional jobs.

7. Increased Visibility and Prestige

• Gaining municipal corporation status often enhances the city’s profile, making it more attractive for investors and tourists.
• Example: Mandi and Solan’s status upgrades have increased their importance as regional hubs.

8. Eligibility for Smart City Projects

• Municipal corporations can qualify for Smart City status, which brings significant funding for technological upgrades, sustainable urban development, and improved governance.

9. Greater Civic Engagement

• Larger corporations often have dedicated platforms for citizen participation, ensuring better transparency and accountability

Challenges in Front:

1. Fiscal Stress: Himachal Pradesh faces a debt exceeding ₹90,000 crore, limiting its ability to finance the necessary infrastructure and staff for these new corporations.
2. Urban Governance Deficiency: Without empowered local bodies and sufficient resources, the expansion risks overstretching existing administrative capacities.
3. Public Opposition: Concerns over forced urbanization, especially from rural communities merged into municipal limits, may lead to resistance and dissatisfaction.
4. Solid and Liquid Waste Management: Current municipal corporations struggle with waste treatment, and expanding boundaries without addressing these issues could exacerbate the problem.

Problems with Urban Local Bodies (ULBs):

1. Limited Functionality: In Himachal Pradesh, most municipal corporations have not received the 18 functions assigned under the 74th Constitutional Amendment, hindering decentralized governance.
2. Resource Deficiency: Newly established corporations like Solan, Mandi, and Palampur lack adequate staff, infrastructure, and funding, relying heavily on district administrations.
3. Political Influence: Local MLAs and ministers often act as de facto decision-makers, undermining the autonomy of municipal bodies.
4. Lack of Planning: Poor urban planning and infrastructure in upgraded ULBs create inefficiencies and fail to address key urban challenges effectively.
5. Revenue Dependence: ULBs rely on property taxes and state government funds, making them financially vulnerable and dependent on political priorities.

Empowering ULBs with adequate resources, autonomy, and planning capacity is crucial to achieving sustainable urban development in the state.

Challenges Faced by Municipal Corporations (MCs) with Real-Life Examples:

Municipal corporations play a critical role in urban governance, but they face numerous challenges that hinder their effectiveness. Below are key issues explained through examples and relatable stories:

1. Inadequate Financial Resources

Challenge: Municipal corporations often lack funds to implement urban projects effectively.

• Example: Shimla Municipal Corporation, tasked with addressing its growing water crisis, struggles with revenue generation. Residents face frequent water shortages, and outdated pipelines lead to high water losses. Despite imposing user charges, insufficient funds delay infrastructural upgrades.

Story: Imagine a small municipal office struggling to maintain basic amenities because the revenue collected barely covers salaries. Citizens complain about poor services, but the corporation cannot fix the problem due to its financial constraints.

2. Inefficient Waste Management

Challenge: Cities struggle with proper disposal and treatment of solid and liquid waste.

• Example: Dharamshala Municipal Corporation introduced an underground dustbin system, which was later scrapped due to mismanagement and maintenance failures. Waste piles up in public areas, creating health hazards.

Story: A family visiting Dharamshala complains about the heaps of garbage near their hotel. The local corporation blames inadequate waste treatment facilities, while residents protest against poor sanitation services.

3. Staff Shortages and Skill Gaps

Challenge: Most municipal corporations lack adequate and trained personnel to handle complex urban problems.

• Example: Palampur Municipal Corporation, recently upgraded, heavily relies on district administration staff. Without dedicated officers, urban planning and governance suffer delays.

Story: A newly appointed municipal officer in Palampur juggles multiple roles, leading to inefficiency. Residents seeking approvals for basic construction face long wait times due to the officer’s workload.

4. Political Interference

Challenge: Local governance often takes a backseat to state-level political agendas.

• Example: In Himachal Pradesh, some municipal decisions, like waste management strategies in Solan, are influenced more by state politicians than local councilors.

Story: A project to create a park in Solan is shelved when political leaders redirect funds to a different constituency, leaving the community disappointed.

5. Poor Urban Planning

Challenge: Expanding urban areas are often unplanned, leading to haphazard development.

• Example: Baddi-Barotiwala, a proposed municipal corporation, faces rapid industrial expansion without adequate planning, resulting in traffic congestion and poor air quality.

Story: A schoolteacher in Baddi struggles to commute daily due to unplanned roads and industrial traffic. Despite repeated complaints to the municipal body, no solutions are implemented.

6. Inadequate Infrastructure for Public Services

Challenge: Infrastructure like roads, water supply, and drainage systems often fail to meet rising urban demands.

• Example: Mandi Municipal Corporation deals with recurrent floods during monsoons due to poor drainage systems, impacting thousands of residents annually.

Story: A shopkeeper in Mandi loses inventory to waterlogging every monsoon. Despite assurances from the corporation, the drainage system remains ineffective, eroding trust in governance.

7. Lack of Public Participation

Challenge: Limited involvement of citizens in decision-making processes leads to dissatisfaction and non-compliance.

• Example: Efforts to expand municipal limits in Dharamshala were met with protests from nearby villages due to a lack of consultation.

Story: Farmers near Dharamshala feel sidelined as their agricultural lands are converted into urban zones without their consent. They rally to oppose the municipal expansion, straining relations with urban authorities.

Solutions for Improvement:

1. Increase Financial Autonomy: Implement reforms for property tax collection and develop innovative funding mechanisms like municipal bonds.
2. Strengthen Human Resources: Recruit and train staff to improve service delivery.
3. Adopt Smart Solutions: Use e-governance platforms for better citizen engagement and efficient administration.
4. Plan Sustainable Cities: Invest in green infrastructure and urban planning initiatives tailored to local needs.
5. Engage Communities: Conduct regular public consultations to build trust and cooperation.

Municipal corporations, though essential, need significant empowerment and reform to address these challenges effectively.

8. About the News:

A seven-member team from the Survey of India visited Lahaul and Spiti district to address border disputes between Himachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Ladakh at Sarchu and Shinku La. The team worked alongside local administration officials from Himachal and Ladakh to assess the disputed areas through mapping and on-site evaluations. This survey is crucial for resolving long-standing boundary disagreements that affect infrastructure development and local livelihoods.

Highlights:

• The disputes hinder Border Roads Organisation (BRO) projects, such as road and tunnel construction, vital for connectivity and regional development.
• Traditional grazing rights of herders and opportunities for tourism development add complexity to the boundary resolution process.
• Findings from the survey will be submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for final approval.
• Local stakeholders, including communities and tourism operators, await a resolution that ensures administrative clarity and promotes cooperation.

Boundary Disputes of Himachal Pradesh with Other States:

1. Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh (Sarchu and Shinku La):
   • The Sarchu area and Shinku La pass have been contentious regions, with both Himachal’s Lahaul-Spiti and Ladakh’s Kargil and Leh districts claiming jurisdiction.
   • The dispute has been exacerbated by infrastructure developments like the Atal Tunnel and grazing rights of local herders.
2. Himachal Pradesh and Punjab (Anandpur Sahib and Nangal):
   • There are disagreements over water-sharing rights and land ownership near the Bhakra-Nangal Dam.
   • This issue traces back to the reorganization of Punjab in 1966, with Himachal claiming that some areas historically belonged to it.
3. Himachal Pradesh and Haryana (Parwanoo-Kalka):
   • Land disputes around the industrial town of Parwanoo and nearby Kalka involve jurisdictional overlaps between Himachal’s Solan district and Haryana.
4. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand (Mori-Tiuni):
   • The Tiuni-Mori belt in the Sirmaur district has seen disputes related to boundary demarcation, affecting governance and resource management.
5. Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir (Lahaul-Spiti and Pangi):
   • There have been minor disputes regarding grazing rights and boundary demarcation in high-altitude regions adjoining the Jammu and Kashmir border.