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07/11/2022   ‘Uniform’ diversity: Large number of men and women from various Muslim organisations in a protest against the Uniform Civil Code in 2016. File Photo THE GIST Gujarat has joined the list of BJP-ruled States that have called for implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). While there is no draft or model document yet for the UCC, the framers of the Constitution envisioned that it would be a uniform set of laws that would replace the distinct personal laws of each religion. The clause on UCC generated substantial debate in the Constituent Assembly about whether it should be included as a fundamental right or a directive principle. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar felt that while desirable, the UCC should remain “purely voluntary” in the initial stages. He stated that the Article “merely” proposed that the state shall endeavour to secure a UCC, which means it would not impose it on all citizens. It has been argued that while India does have uniformity in most criminal and civil matters li...

The National Pension System is a disaster for retiring employees, says an apex body of various government unions; pension under existing scheme just 15% of that under earlier one 07/11/2022 In solidarity: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra with protesters demanding the implementation of the OPS in Himachal Pradesh. PTI- Vijaita Singh New Delhi Demanding that the old pension scheme (OPS) be restored, a federation of Central government employees’ unions has written to the Cabinet Secretary, stating that the current National Pension System (NPS) was a disaster for retiring employees in their old age. The federation, in a letter, said a defence establishment official who recently retired after more than 13 years of service received only 15% of the assured pension he would have otherwise got under the OPS. Under the NPS, the official with a basic pay of ₹30,500 received ₹2,417 as monthly pension as against the ₹15,250 he would have received under the OPS. Another official with a basic pay of...

Governor Arif Mohammed Khan’s extraordinary decision to seek the resignations of nine Vice Chancellors drew a sharp response from the government on Sunday. Higher Education Minister R. Bindu pulled no punches when she termed the move the latest example of fascist forces attempting to take over the country. Slamming the ‘unilateral’ decision of the Governor, Dr. Bindu said it was a conscious attempt to scuttle the higher education sector and disrupt the smooth functioning of the government. “He (the Governor) can only function within the bounds of the Constitution. The decision to leave the universities headless in a single stroke without ascertaining the facts is condemnable. Such diktats that are issued without consulting the government cannot be accepted,” she said. In a veiled reference to the Governor’s threat to “withdraw pleasure” against Ministers, Dr. Bindu said her criticism might prompt Mr. Khan to sack her, “but, we can no longer afford to remain silent.” Hinting at the poss...