27 June 2025: The Hindu Editorial

1. Bridging the Gap: Reforming India’s Labour Codes for Inclusivity

Source – Page 10, THE HINDU UPSC IAS EDITION

Topic: GS Paper 2 – Governance (Labour Reforms); GS Paper 3 – Economic Development (Employment)

Context

India’s new labour codes aim to simplify, modernize, and unify various labour laws. However, recent critiques highlight gaps in inclusivity, especially concerning informal workers and gender representation.

Background:

• India recently consolidated 29 central labour laws into four labour codes:

  • Code on Wages

  • Industrial Relations Code

  • Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code

  • Code on Social Security

• The goal: simplify compliance and improve labour rights coverage.

Concerns Raised:

• Informal Sector Neglect: Over 90% of India’s workforce is informal, yet these codes have limited reach in enforcement and awareness.

• Gender Blind Spots: Lack of gender-sensitive safety provisions; inadequate maternity protection.

• Employer-Employee Power Imbalance: Easier retrenchment norms without commensurate social security protections.

Analysis:

• Ease of Doing Business vs. Worker Welfare: Emphasis on flexibility for employers may reduce job security and labour rights.

• Enforcement Weakness: Labour departments are under-staffed and under-funded, reducing the law’s effectiveness.

• Digital Divide: Labour portals assume digital literacy, leaving many out of coverage.

Way Forward:

• Expand labour code awareness and outreach for informal and gig workers.

• Ensure gender-responsive clauses and inclusive occupational safety norms.

• Strengthen institutional capacity for enforcement and grievance redressal.

Practice Question: Critically evaluate the impact of India’s new labour codes on informal sector workers. What steps are needed to ensure labour reforms are inclusive and equitable?

 

2. Unpacking India’s Urban Flooding Crisis: A Governance and Climate Challenge

Source – Page 10, THE HINDU UPSC IAS EDITION

Topic: GS Paper 1 – Geography (Urbanization); GS Paper 3 – Disaster Management & Environment

Context

Recent heavy rains have submerged parts of major Indian cities, highlighting the urgent need to address urban flooding through improved planning, infrastructure, and environmental conservation.

Background:

• Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai faced severe waterlogging and infrastructure collapse after monsoon rains.

• Poor urban planning, encroachment on wetlands, and outdated drainage systems are key contributors.

Key Issues:

• Inadequate Drainage: Many cities still rely on colonial-era stormwater systems.

• Encroachments: Natural flood buffers like lakes and wetlands are encroached or filled.

• Climate Change: Increased frequency of extreme weather events.

Analysis:

• Institutional Gaps: Fragmented urban governance impedes effective response and planning.

• Lack of Preparedness: State disaster plans are outdated or not implemented.

• Social Inequity: Slum dwellers and informal workers bear the brunt of floods without safe shelter or compensation.

Way Forward:

• Enforce zoning laws and prevent encroachment on flood-prone areas.

• Invest in green infrastructure (permeable surfaces, restored wetlands).

• Strengthen city disaster response units and integrate climate adaptation in urban planning.

Practice Question: Urban flooding in Indian cities is no longer a natural hazard but a man-made disaster. Critically examine the causes and suggest integrated urban planning measures to mitigate the crisis. (GS2 | 250 words | 15 marks)

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