World's largest employment guarantee program - Part 3

 In this third part series regarding MGNREGA, we would see how the rural job guarantee scheme along with other government schemes acted as a cushion in minimizing the onslaught of corona outbreak on rural economy which otherwise had very much potential in creating an unrest through out the interiors of the country with the arrival of migrant workers from urban areas which experienced shutdowns for months together. 

Along with Prime Minister Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), the time-tested job scheme or MGNREGA came as a big relief for millions of migrant workers who returned to their villages in most desperate conditions. As said earlier, the Union government pumped an additional Rs. 40,000 crore to the existing budget allocation for 2020-21 taking it to Rs 1,01,500 crore. Further, wage rate was enhanced from Rs 182 to Rs 202. MGNREGA which acts like social protection by providing 100 days’ work to a member of rural household had generated unprecedented demand during corona lockdown.

To illustrate, a record number of 175.97 crore person days has been created. In a desperate bid for survival, return migrants have steadily turned to the scheme and the job demand has witnessed an unprecedented rise with states like Uttar Pradesh (UP) (57.13 lakh workers), Rajasthan (53.45 lakh workers) and Andhra Pradesh  (36 lakh workers) leading the trend. Reports claim that in at least 26 states, more households have demanded work in the first 25 days of June alone than the average of the past seven years (2013-14 to 2019-20).

However, there were glitches in this too especially meeting the work demand.  As per recent data,  27.78 lakh households in 31 districts of UP availed work during corona year as compared to 6.71 lakh households in the last year. The challenge was that there was no work days left in the state quota for coming months. Similar situation was faced in other states such as Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal among others. Second issue about MGNREGA is that while the scheme has come as big relief in the time of crisis, its major drawback is it is meant for unskilled workers. The diversification of the scheme is a far cry to which not many governments have paid serious attention. Its scope can easily spread to agriculture, dairy, poultry, horticulture, vegetable cultivation and others allied rural activities, even skill training.

Source: https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/covid19-and-indias-informal-workers-a-scrutiny-of-states-response

To be continued....

World's largest employment guarantee program - Part 2

In this second part of the four part series I would like to highlight the role of MGNREGA in adding value to the Constitution of India.

From the MGNREGA government website, MGNREGA provides a legal guarantee for 100 days of employment per year to every rural household in India. This ensures that eligible households have access to a minimum level of employment, helping alleviate poverty and providing a safety net during periods of economic distress.

The primary objective of MGNREGA is to enhance the livelihood security of rural households by promoting sustainable rural development. The program emphasizes the creation of productive assets such as water conservation structures, rural roads, and other infrastructure projects that contribute to the overall development of rural areas.

MGNREGA is designed to be demand-driven, meaning that employment opportunities are created in response to the expressed demand from the rural community. The beneficiaries have the right to demand work, and the government is obligated to provide employment within 15 days of such a demand.

The act promotes the active participation of women in the workforce. One-third of the beneficiaries are women, and efforts are made to ensure that at least 50% of the workers are women. This not only contributes to women's empowerment but also addresses gender disparities in rural employment.

Continued....

World's largest employment guarantee program - Part 1

This loksabha election has given new identity to the central force of Indian governance i.e. our beloved Constitution which was till then a dear only amongst lawyers and department of justice who would refer to the constitution while giving judgement to many cases involving governmental disputes.

As there was an interest created amongst the masses regarding the prowess of constitution which act like a bible to the country citizens while dealing with government agencies, so there are organizations who bicker between each other to identify themselves as custodians of constitution. 

To be true no organization which promotes identity politics and less of ideology based functioning would like to see a strong constitution endangering their individualistic identity.

Having said that a majority of politicians shy away from empowerment of constitution so what else does guarantee an acceptance of our hard earned constitution amongst the masses is the question of the day. The answer is simple it is the government schemes that takes the constitution to nook and corner of the country.

There are many schemes enacted by the government that empowers the stature of the constitution amongst the masses and one such jewel that outshines the others is the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005. In a four part series I would like to put forth before you the salient features of MGNREGA act and its various levels of contribution to act as a messenger in bringing the masses into the ambit of the constitution.

Keep watching this space.

Honk... Honk... (Conclusion)

Having looked at certain aspects of road safety aka driving safe on roads we shall look at the details regarding the night driving. We have seen how driving in day time is a tedious job when we are dealing with co-travelers who have scant respect for driving rules and this becomes more cumbersome when it involves driving in the night.

According to a statistics a total of 94,009 road accidents were reported between 6 pm and 9 pm last year, accounting for over 20 per cent of the total mishaps in the country, according to a report by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). (Source: https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/in-2022-most-accidents-reported-from-6pm-9pm-20-of-total-mishaps-morth-123110200742_1.html)

There are certain tips to follow for a safe night time driving and they are as below:

1. Light Up Your Path – Use Your Headlights Wisely

Dipped and Full Beam: When it gets dark, it’s time to bring out the headlights, but how you use them matters. In town, keep your lights on dipped beam to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers. Switch to full beam on rural or unlit roads but dip them again as soon as another vehicle is in sight.

Check Your Bulbs Regularly: Don’t wait for a dark night to find out a headlight’s gone! Check all your lights (yes, including indicators and brake lights) regularly to ensure you’re both safe and legally compliant for driving at night.

 2. Avoid Staring into the Abyss (or Oncoming Headlights)

Looking straight at the headlights of oncoming cars can temporarily blind you, so shift your gaze to the left edge of the road and follow the white line. Trust us, your eyes will thank you, and you’ll keep that night vision intact.

Bonus Tip: If a driver behind you has dazzling headlights, flip your rearview mirror to its anti-dazzle setting (that little tab at the bottom of the mirror). Modern cars often have automatic dimming mirrors — lucky you!

3. Stay Alert for Nighttime Surprises

Animals and Potholes: Country roads are prime territory for nocturnal animals darting across the road. Slow down and keep a sharp eye out for movement. And beware of potholes lurking in the shadows — they’re not just a daylight hazard!

Pedestrians and Cyclists: Pedestrians can be almost invisible whilst driving at night, especially in poorly lit areas. Take it easy near schools and residential areas, and be cautious of cyclists who might not have reflective gear.

4. Keep Your Car Clean for Clear Visibility

Clean Windows and Mirrors: Dirty windows can amplify glare from other headlights, so keep them spotless. Inside and out! Also, make sure your mirrors are clear — that buildup of dust and fingerprints isn’t helping.

Headlight Hygiene: Grime-covered headlights reduce visibility, so give them a clean every once in a while. It’ll improve your lighting and make you easier to spot.

5. Get Your Eyes Tested – And Maybe Skip Those “Night Glasses”

If you’re struggling to see whilst driving at night time, it might be time for an eye test. Avoid wearing tinted or polarized glasses, as these can actually make it harder to see in low light. Instead, ask your optician about lenses with an anti-glare coating if headlights are a bother.

Those “night driving glasses”? Often just a gimmick, so be cautious about claims that they’ll improve night vision, plus, it’ll stop you being mistaken for U2’s Bono.

6. Avoid Fatigue – Rest is Best

Have you ever tried keeping your eyes open for Netflix and woke up 4 hours later? Well imagine that, but well, not waking up?

Driving at night can be draining, and fatigue is no joke. Schedule regular breaks if you’re in for a long drive. Even a quick stretch or a strong coffee can keep you alert and focused. Remember, tired driving can be as risky as driving under the influence.

Pro Tip: Avoid heavy meals before a long nighttime drive — that food coma can sneak up on you! Keeping the temperature cooler helps too.

7. Be Prepared – Pack Some Nighttime Essentials

Torch and High-Vis Gear: If you break down whilst driving at night, a torch (or headlamp) is invaluable, and high-vis gear can make you more visible to other drivers. Cold nights call for a blanket in the boot, too, in case you’re stranded waiting for help.

Charged Phone: It’s also smart to keep your phone fully charged. An emergency kit with a breakdown triangle, high-visibility vest, and jump leads is ideal for those unexpected moments.

8. Know the Road – Adjust Speed for Low Visibility

With limited sight, it’s tempting to go slower than usual — and rightly so. Always drive within your field of vision; if you can’t see past your headlights, slow down. This gives you extra time to react to sudden obstacles, be it a deer, pothole, or curve in the road.

Avoid Overtaking: Night overtakes are trickier because bends or dips can hide oncoming cars. Be absolutely sure the road is clear before attempting it.

9. Dim Your Dashboard Lights

Bright dashboard lights can create reflections on the windshield and reduce your night vision. Adjust your dashboard brightness to a lower setting, which can help you focus better on the road ahead without distractions.

10. Know When to Call It a Night

Sometimes, the smartest move is knowing when to pull over. Heavy rain, fatigue, or overwhelming glare can make night driving too risky. Don’t hesitate to stop at a safe spot and wait until conditions improve. Your destination will still be there in the morning!

Source: https://shiftdrivingschool.co.uk/resources/learning-to-drive/driving-at-night/

Concluding the three part series of road safety let me shed some light on role of ADAS (Advanced driving assistant system) for improved road safety.

ADAS and Its Impact on Road Safety

Human error remains a significant factor in road accidents, with distractions, fatigue, and delayed reactions leading to tragic outcomes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.3 million people die each year in traffic accidents globally, with millions more suffering non-fatal injuries. Many of these accidents could be prevented or minimized with the assistance of ADAS technologies.

ADAS introduces automation and decision-making algorithms into vehicles, helping drivers avoid collisions and improve overall road awareness. These systems use a combination of sensors, cameras, radar, and machine learning to detect potential hazards and assist the driver in making safer decisions. From alerting drivers to imminent dangers to taking control of the vehicle to prevent a crash, ADAS has the potential to significantly improve road safety across a variety of environments.

Key ADAS Features Contributing to Safer Driving

Several core ADAS features are specifically designed to improve road safety by preventing accidents or minimizing their severity. The most effective ADAS systems focus on collision avoidance, lane discipline, and maintaining safe distances between vehicles. Below are some of the key features that have a direct impact on road safety:

Collision Avoidance Systems (CAS): These systems are among the most vital ADAS features, designed to prevent or reduce the severity of accidents by detecting potential collisions and applying corrective measures. This includes Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), which uses sensors and cameras to detect obstacles and apply the brakes if a collision seems imminent. AEB is especially effective in reducing rear-end collisions, which are among the most common types of crashes.

Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane-Keeping Assist (LKA): Lane departure warning systems alert drivers when their vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without signaling, a common cause of accidents due to driver inattention or drowsiness. Lane-keeping assist takes this a step further by automatically correcting the vehicle’s course to keep it within its lane, helping prevent accidents caused by unintentional lane changes or veering off the road.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Unlike traditional cruise control, which maintains a constant speed, ACC adjusts the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead. By using radar and sensors to detect traffic conditions, ACC automatically slows down or accelerates the vehicle based on real-time data, reducing the risk of rear-end collisions, especially on highways and during traffic congestion.

Blind-Spot Detection (BSD): Blind spots are a leading cause of side-swipe accidents. BSD systems use sensors and cameras to monitor the vehicle’s blind spots and alert the driver if another vehicle is detected in those areas. This feature is particularly useful during lane changes and helps drivers make safer maneuvers on busy roads.

Pedestrian Detection: ADAS systems are not only designed to protect vehicle occupants but also vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrian detection systems use cameras and sensors to identify pedestrians in or near the road and issue warnings to the driver or automatically apply the brakes if necessary. This feature is especially important in urban areas where pedestrian traffic is high.

Statistics Demonstrating ADAS Effectiveness

The effectiveness of ADAS in reducing road accidents has been widely studied, with several reports demonstrating the significant benefits these technologies offer. According to the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP), vehicles equipped with ADAS features like AEB and lane-keeping assist systems show a dramatic reduction in accident rates. In fact, a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that automatic emergency braking reduced rear-end collisions by 50%, while lane departure warning systems reduced crashes caused by lane departure by up to 20%.

Moreover, a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) highlights that ADAS features, when fully adopted across vehicle fleets, could prevent over 2 million crashes annually in the U.S. alone. Similarly, a 2020 study conducted by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) revealed that vehicles equipped with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking saw a 25% reduction in injury claims.

(Source:  https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/blog/the-role-of-adas-in-improving-road-safety/)

Happy Safe driving :)

75 years of Constitution of India

Nov 26 is celebrated as Constitution day across the country and this constitution day is something special as it is the 75th year of celebration. To a country which is plagued by many impediments like cross border terrorism, communal violence, caste-ism, corruption and many more it is still a secret how constitution continues to wield its power and has lived up-to the expectation of its citizens.

And it takes my immense pleasure in sharing my happy moments to see my constitution thriving and crossing its 75th year of empowering the country to achieve new heights of civility. And year 2024 was a tumultuous year as many forces that were against the concept of equity and diversity guaranteed by constitution trying to rob its value through treachery. But things were set straight and forces were shown their limits through a political reset.

Constitution may have guaranteed you many written rights like right to justice, right to education, right to information but framers of constitution have passed on an most important unwritten right to its citizens through the constitution and it is the Right to Reset. It is because of this right that you see your constitution lively and thriving which otherwise would have pushed the entire world to medieval ages.

It is this right to reset which keeps the archaic and fascists forces at bay from harming the tenets of the constitution. With powers comes the responsibility, having seen our forefathers of freedom struggle passed on the power to reset to its next generation it is the responsibility to the Gen X to preserve the sanctity of the power from falling into the hands of megalomaniacs who believe in monotonous future.

#HAPPY_CONSTITUTION_DAY

Honk... Honk... (Part 2)

As mentioned in my previous blog post expressways may have made the travel time shortened due its exaggerated speed limits so becomes the responsibility of the road users to become responsible drivers and making the roads safer for everyone using the same.

Another annoying thing about road safety is overtaking on the wrong side. There are some rules prescribed while overtaking the vehicle in front of you and they are as listed below:

• Don't overtake when you can't see the road ahead, at a corner, or around a bend
• Only overtake when there's no oncoming vehicle and enough space ahead
• Be extra careful when overtaking at night 
• Don't overtake if you're likely to impede oncoming traffic
• Use your indicator to signal when you're about to turn

Driving through wildlife protected area is another area of interest. A sample statistics says that a total of 31 spotted deer and one elephant were among the 34 wild animals killed in road crashes on the Chennai-Bengaluru National Highway near Berandapalli in Hosur forest range in five years from 2019 to 2024. (Source: https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2024/Jul/29/34-animals-of-hosur-forest-range-die-in-roadkill-in-five-years )

There are some do's and don't for driving through the wildlife protected area and they are listed as below:

• Get a permit: You need a valid permit and ID to enter a protected area
• Take a guide: You need to take an authorized park guide with your vehicle.
• Drive slowly: Drive slowly and easily in the forest.
• Be quiet: Make as little noise as possible, especially when watching wildlife
• Don't disturb wildlife: Don't tease, feed, or chase wild animals.
• Don't litter: Littering is prohibited and heavily fined
•  Don't use your phone: Use of mobile phones is prohibited.
•  Don't take forest produce: Lifting of any forest produce plants or animal articles is prohibited. 
• Don't drive off-road: Off-road and fast driving is illegal in the parks. 
• Look for signboards: Look for signboards that indicate animal movement
• Be aware of underpasses: Underpasses can be used by animals to cross roads and bridges.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Honk Honk... (Part -1)

There has been abrupt improvement in national road infrastructure across the country under the leadership of honorable central Minister Shri. Nithin Gadkari. With new expressways being planned across all the cross sections of the region the travel time between the destinations has been drastically reduced. The difference between expressway and highway is that expressways are designed for high-speed traffic and have controlled access, while highways are designed to connect cities and towns.

In India, the speed limit on expressways is 120 kilometers per hour, which is the highest speed limit for vehicles in the country. The speed limit on national highways is 100 kilometers per hour.

With greater speed comes greater dangers associated with the accelerated speeds. South India's first expressway between Bengaluru and Mysore was notoriously called "accident den" as 296 accidents and 132 fatalities were reported within six months of its inauguration according to report published in Indian Express ( https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/296-accidents-132-fatalities-recorded-on-bengaluru-mysuru-expressway-since-january-official-report/ ) 

But these figures were drastically reduced due to efforts of Karnataka Police, wherein Karnataka Police in collaboration with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), has ramped up surveillance efforts on the expressway. AI-driven cameras have been installed along the route to identify and penalise traffic violators, particularly those involved in speeding or other unsafe practises.

To further curb accidents, a dedicated team of police officers were reported to be stationed at the Kanimanike Toll Gate in Mysuru to catch speeding vehicles in real-time. Despite fines being issued through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, many violators have not paid the penalties online. As a result, the police plan to collect fines manually from those caught speeding on the expressway.