By Shashikant Nishant Sharma

Dr BR Ambedkar, Mayawati, Abhijeet Sawant, PT Usha, we all know these notable people of society. They all are known for their distinguished effort and hard work. But does their caste or social backwardness have to do anything with their work as they all belong to the weaker sections of society? Are they at their stature because their caste had a reservation? Indeed the answer to all these questions is ‘no”.

Reservation in India is the process of setting aside a certain percentage of seats (vacancies) in government institutions for the members of backward and under-represented communities. Reservation is a form of quota-based affirmative action. Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) are the primary beneficiaries of the reservation policies under the Constitution. The concept was enshrined in the Constitution to allow the so-called deprived classes to come at par with the so-called privileged ones.

Initially, the reservation policy was only for 10 years after the independence to uplift the socially and under-privileged to stabilise them economically. Yet, even after 68 years of independence the Government has failed to truly uplift the backward sections properly.The reservation system finds its origin in the age-old caste system of India. The caste system at its birth was meant to divide people on the basis of their occupation like teaching and preaching (Brahmins), kingship and war (Kshatriya), and lastly business (Vaish) etc, but soon it became an instrument to divide the society on caste-basis, creating various walls between different sections of the society. After independence, the primary objective of the reservation was to uplift the untouchable who were the most marginalised.

But today we stand divided widely into Hindu, Muslim, SC, ST, OBC with newer reservations coming up from different sections of society like Christians, Jats, Pandits, Tribals etc. Unfortunately, the policy has failed to achieve the desired aim of bringing the non-privileged classes into the mainstream. It has instead marginalised them all the more and has deepened the rift created by the caste system even more. Moreover, today it is not taken as a right but it is considered more of a privilege by people, provoking unending debates.

The 93rd Amendment and the recent declaration of the government for reservation in institutions of higher education has stirred the anger of the youth in general all over the country. The UGC cell helps universities implement the reservation policy in student admission and staff recruitment process for teaching and non-teaching jobs. Protests from various sections of society had come stating that development of one section of the society should not be at the cost of the other section.

They have argued caste category cannot decide whether he/she is eligible for admission or not, what matters is merit. Further some have argued that in some cases children belonging to the backward classes do not even possess the necessary merit. thereby snatching away one seat, just because they come from a particular religion or caste for which our government provides reservation.

Recent Women’s Reservation Bill’ passed by Rajya Sabha in 2010 got majority support but it has not been voted on the bill as yet. Its opposers say gender cannot be held as a basis for reservation alone. True, as Pratibha Patil, Meera Kumar, Sonia Gandhi and other women do not hold their position merely because of their gender reservation.

If one takes a look at the issue objectively, one will realise that the intention behind reservation is not faulty at all but it is the implementation and application that has proved ineffective. The benefit of reservation has failed to trickle down to the lowest section of the society. Also, it has killed the spirit of brotherhood and healthy competition.

India can take a lesson from the United States in this regard. For instance, US has long abandoned the quota system for affirmative action. They have put in place a point system under which candidates from Blacks, backward regions, immigrants etc., are given a few extra points in admission and appointment procedures, Caste of a person cannot be the sole criteria for ascertaining whether a particular caste is backward or not. Determinants such as poverty, occupation, place of habitation could be the relevant factors to be taken into consideration. All sections of the society that need development and financial aids should be clearly identified. Then to uplift them with free-education or incentives and financial assistance should be provided. And if a class reaches the state of progress where reservation is not necessary then the government should delete that caste from the list of backward classes.

With time, people have started misusing this policy. There are many examples of people making false documents just to get a seat in a college or a job. Politicians are playing a major role in fueling reservation policy. The reason behind this is that SC and ST make up to 33% of the population of our country. Politicians fear losing out on their vote bank if they make changes against SC and ST.

Let us not do such that these policies hinder the growth of our economy. Need of the hour is to remove this evil. Making education mandatory and free for all till the age of 15 is one good resolution that has been adopted. Others could be proposing reservations based on economic status and providing opportunities to students to earn while they study. Also from time to time such laws must be evaluated by experts and their impact on the development of the under-privileged, and overall society must be assessed.

References

Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2024). Politics in the Name of Women’s Reservation. Contemporary Voice of Dalit, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/2455328X241262562

There is a famous saying: “Old is gold”. It’s modern adaptation says “Old is Gold but New is Diamond.” Such is the very uniqueness of the two times too: The Old Times and The Modern Times. They both have their own distinctive values. Irrespective of its peculiarity, the times have always been the reflection of human kind. Both the old and the modern times have their charms, characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. But to prove which one is better is an endless debate. Both have some or the other epitome excellence and both have, in some way degraded the mankind.

The old age does not refer to the stone age or the ancient age; it primarily refers to the age before the technological and scientific advancement. The age in which our grandparents were born and lived. The age which is particularly known for its rich traditions and values. But lack of education lead to diseases, ignorance and superstitions. Lack of advanced medical facilities led to shorter lifespan, wherein people would die pitiably merely due to spread of infection. Means of transport were rare or were limited to the elite only. Far-off, international journey was as far as one aeroplane itself. Means of communication were in equally terrible state wherein exchanging a message was a herculean task.

Inspite of this, old times were the times when people cared less for materialistic goals. Instead they gave utmost importance to their health and well-being. They would eat fresh, work upright and so would sleep tight. They did not have much technology to ease their work load. Yet, they had time to sit with people as a community. There were very few opportunities yet they enjoyed peace of mind.

Their lives were stress free. The chronic diseases like HIV/AIDS, cancer, tuberculosis were unheard of. They enjoyed their existence alongwith nature, with utmost zeal. We keep moving forward, opening new doors and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths,” said Walt Disney. Indeed, the advancement in the means of transportation and communication lead mankind to newer paths. Modern lifestyle has come across with new technologies and has broaden the horizon of one’s knowledge. The development of technology has made it easier for people to communicate, to travel, to work and so on. The computers, laptops and mobile phones have completely changed our lives. Education has developed, more so with the use of internet. Medical advancement is at its peak and still surprises us daily with further improvements.

Modern times has a darker side too. Due to modern lifestyle, the culture and tradition is fading off. Innovation has increased the hunger to quest for even more. It has in turn led to more competition and less peace of mind. People are more dependent on fast food which is taking their health down the drain. Technology has reduced the interaction time with family members, alienating human beings. Gadgets have made us lazy. Status and snobbery have evolved because of growing affluence. There are endless number of risks involved, yet people take those things, infact they take life for granted. Another major problem is all kinds of environmental damages like air pollution, water pollution and noise pollution. As a whole, life in the old days was simpler. One did not have so many problems that we face today. Their lives were not cluttered with so many consumer goods that we find today in supermarkets and shopping malls. Their lives were not any better or worse, only that it was different. They had so little gadgets such as TV, so they did not become square-eyed. They did not have cars nor pollution. We have so many gadgets but at the same time so many accompanying bills as well. Like every coin has two sides, both the old and modern times too have its advantages and disadvantages. The way both the sides of coin are inseparable, incomparable and of equal importance, same is the case with the times. Both the times have their uniqueness, their share of advancements and setbacks. Yet it can’t be denied that in a country like India, old times and modern times co-exist. Or in Anita Desai’s words: “India is a curious place that still preserves the past, religions and its history. No matter how modern India becomes, it is still very much an old country”

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The country’s doctor-to-population ratio, according to the government, is higher than those set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar stated that the country’s doctor-to-population ratio is 1:834, which is below than the WHO guideline of 1:Thousand.

According to the Minister, there are 5 lakh 65 000 AYUSH physicians and 13 lakh 8 thousand 9 registered allopathic doctors, according to the National Medical Commission. Over 34 lakh registered nurses and 13 lakh allied and healthcare professionals are employed in the nation, according to the minister.

The Minister further stated that the government is boosting UG and PG medical seats in addition to other efforts to increase the number of physicians in the nation.

At the World Athletics Championships in Oregon, USA, Neeraj Chopra and Rohit Yadav of India have qualified for the men’s javelin throw final. Olympic gold medallist Choprasealed his place in the championship round with his first throw of 88.39 metres. Chopra was the first to throw in Qualification Round Group A. The 24-year-old will now take part in the final, which is scheduled for tomorrow morning. With a best throw of 80.42 metres, Rohit Yadav joined Chopra in the javelin throw competition.

Eldhose Paul of India, who jumped 16.68 metres, joined Neeraj and Rohit in making it to the final of the men’s triple jump. Paul finished sixth in Group A and 12th overall to become the first Indian to qualify for the final on Sunday. Also remaining idle today will be Praveen Chithravel and Abdullah Aboobackar.

With her third and final effort, Annu Rani, a great javelin thrower from India, finished with the highest throw of 59.60 metres, securing her spot in the championship final. The holder of the national javelin record advanced to the championship’s javelin final twice in a row.

India put up by far their finest performance at the World Championships. Tomorrow’s themedal round will be the centre of attention.

Neeraj Chopra, Rohit Yadav, and Eldhose Paul have received congratulations from sports minister Anurag Singh Thakur for their accomplishments in the World Athletics Championships in Oregon, USA. India made history at the competition, Mr. Thakur said in a tweet. According to him, Neeraj Chopra and Rohit Yadav, two Indian javelin throwers, are making history by becoming the first to compete in the World Championship Final. Eldhose Paul, he claimed, is the first Indian to advance to the Men’s Triple Jump Final.

Droupadi Murmu has been chosen to serve as India’s 15th president. Following the conclusion of the vote-counting yesterday night, P C Mody, the secretary general of the Rajya Sabha and the returning officer for the presidential election, declared Ms. Murmu the winner.

According to him, Ms. Murmu received 64% of the vote, while the opposition candidate, Yashwant Sinha, received 36%. According to the Secretary-General, Ms. Murmu received votes from 2,824 parliamentarians, including 540 MPs, out of the 4,735 legitimate voters, giving her vote a value of $6,076,803. He said that Mr. Sinha received the votes of 1 087 legislators, including 208 MPs, with a total value of 3 80 000 177.

Mody, the returning officer, walked over to Ms. Murmu’s house later and gave her the certificate.

The second woman to serve as India’s president, Ms. Murmu is the first indigenous woman to occupy the office. On Monday in Parliament’s Central Hall, Ms. Murmu will receive her oath of office from Chief Justice of India, Justice N V Ramana.

I was laughing at lame jokes for one moment, I was crying at silly things the other moment, I was lying in bed, holding my stomach the next moment. Why am I changing my mood so rapidly? This is because I got my periods recently.

Yes those cramps make me feel bad and I behave like a lazy lad. But the thing I hate the most is those absurd ads, the blue colour depicted there on that sanitary pad. Though I feel blue but I bleed red, Am I supposed to tell them even that?

No, I don’t crave any extra attention and I don’t even want any kind of detention. All I want is the menstrual products to be sold for free, so do you agree?

– Isha Chawla

By: Shashikant Nishant Sharma

Ensuring the safe handling of grant funds is crucial for maintaining transparency, accountability, and compliance with regulations. Here are some steps you can take to ensure the safe handling of grant funds:

Develop Strong Financial Policies and Procedures:

• Establish clear and comprehensive financial policies and procedures for handling grant funds.
• Include guidelines for budgeting, accounting, procurement, and reporting.

Certainly! Developing clear and comprehensive financial policies and procedures is essential for the proper handling of grant funds. Below are guidelines for each specific area:

1. Budgeting:

Objective:

• To ensure that grant funds are allocated and utilized efficiently in alignment with the grant’s objectives.

Guidelines:

1. Needs Assessment:
   • Conduct a thorough needs assessment to identify the specific activities and resources required to achieve the grant objectives.
2. Detailed Budget Development:
   • Develop a detailed budget outlining all anticipated expenses, including personnel, equipment, supplies, and overhead costs.
3. Budget Approval:
   • Establish a process for reviewing and approving the budget, involving relevant stakeholders, such as project managers and finance personnel.
4. Budget Monitoring:
   • Implement a system to monitor actual expenditures against the approved budget regularly.
   • Identify and address any variances promptly, with clear procedures for budget modifications if necessary.

2. Accounting:

Objective:

• To maintain accurate and transparent financial records for all grant-related transactions.

Guidelines:

1. Chart of Accounts:
   • Develop a chart of accounts specifically tailored to track grant-related income and expenses separately from other organizational funds.
2. Timely Recording of Transactions:
   • Establish protocols for the timely recording of all financial transactions related to grant funds.
3. Reconciliation:
   • Regularly reconcile bank statements and financial reports to ensure accuracy and identify any discrepancies.
4. Financial Controls:
   • Implement internal controls, such as segregation of duties and approval processes, to prevent and detect financial errors or fraud.

3. Procurement:

Objective:

• To ensure that the procurement of goods and services is conducted in a fair, competitive, and transparent manner.

Guidelines:

1. Procurement Policy:
   • Develop a procurement policy that outlines the principles of fairness, competition, and transparency.
2. Vendor Selection:
   • Establish criteria for the selection of vendors, emphasizing fair competition and value for money.
3. Approval Process:
   • Define a clear approval process for procurement transactions, including appropriate documentation and authorization.
4. Contract Management:
   • Implement procedures for effective contract management, including monitoring deliverables, quality control, and adherence to contractual terms.

4. Reporting:

Objective:

• To provide accurate and timely reports to grantors and stakeholders, demonstrating compliance with grant requirements.

Guidelines:

1. Reporting Schedule:
   • Develop a reporting schedule that aligns with the requirements specified in the grant agreement.
2. Data Accuracy:
   • Ensure the accuracy of all financial data included in reports through thorough review and verification processes.
3. Narrative Reporting:
   • Include narrative explanations in reports to provide context for financial information and highlight key achievements and challenges.
4. Compliance Reporting:
   • Clearly outline procedures for reporting on compliance with grant terms and conditions.

Additional Considerations:

1. Training and Communication:
   • Provide training to staff involved in budgeting, accounting, procurement, and reporting to ensure understanding and compliance with established policies.
2. Documentation and Record-Keeping:
   • Emphasize the importance of maintaining detailed documentation for all financial transactions and activities.
3. Continuous Improvement:
   • Establish a process for continuous review and improvement of financial policies and procedures based on feedback, lessons learned, and changes in regulations.

Customize these guidelines to fit the specific needs and requirements of your organization and the grant in question. Regularly review and update these policies to ensure they remain relevant and effective.

1. Budget Management:
   • Develop a detailed budget that aligns with the grant’s objectives.
   • Monitor actual spending against the budget regularly and make adjustments as necessary.
2. Financial Reporting:
   • Implement a robust financial reporting system that provides accurate and timely information.
   • Ensure that reports to grantors are in compliance with their specific requirements.
3. Internal and External Audits:
   • Conduct regular internal audits to review financial processes and identify any irregularities or areas for improvement.
   • Arrange for external audits by an independent auditor to provide an objective assessment of your financial controls.
4. Documentation and Record-Keeping:
   • Maintain thorough and accurate documentation for all financial transactions related to the grant.
   • Keep records organized and readily accessible for auditing purposes.
5. Compliance with Laws and Regulations:
   • Stay informed about relevant laws and regulations governing the use of grant funds.
   • Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
6. Training and Capacity Building:
   • Provide training for staff involved in handling grant funds to ensure they understand the financial policies and procedures.
   • Stay informed about best practices in grant management and financial accountability.
7. Communication with Grantors:
   • Establish open lines of communication with grantors.
   • Notify them promptly of any significant changes, challenges, or deviations from the agreed-upon plan.
   • Regularly monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of your financial management processes.
   • Use feedback and lessons learned to improve your organization’s financial management practices.

By implementing these measures, you can help ensure the safe and responsible handling of grant funds, fostering trust with grantors and stakeholders in the process.

References

Bordage, Georges, and Beth Dawson. “Experimental study design and grant writing in eight steps and 28 questions.” Medical education 37.4 (2003): 376-385.

Liu, Jeffrey C., et al. “Grant-writing pearls and pitfalls: maximizing funding opportunities.” Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery 154.2 (2016): 226-232.

Serrano Velarde, Kathia. “The way we ask for money… The emergence and institutionalization of grant writing practices in academia.” Minerva 56.1 (2018): 85-107.

Sharma, Shashikant Nishant. “Sustainable development strategies and approaches.” International Journal of Engineering and Technical Research (IJETR) 2 (2013).

Sharma, Shashikant Nishant, ed. New perspectives in sociology and allied fields. EduPedia Publications (P) Ltd, 2016.

Wisdom, Jennifer P., Halley Riley, and Neely Myers. “Recommendations for writing successful grant proposals: an information synthesis.” Academic Medicine 90.12 (2015): 1720-1725.

Salt lake in Yuncheng is frequently referred to as China’s “Dead Sea” for an odd cause. The rich magenta, green, and yellow hues of its waters are a result of algae blooms and insects that are reproducing quickly.

The uncommon occurrence is brought on by the algae Dunaliella salina, which, according to NASA, is normally green in marine habitats but may become red when exposed to high salt and intense light because of “the development of defensive carotenoids in the cells.” Plant compounds called carotenoids are what give the lake its vivid colours.

The tests revealed that the contaminated waters had high quantities of ammonia, nitrogen, and permanganate, a substance used in metal cleaning, tanning, and bleaching. The Hubei authorities claimed that the pollutants appeared to have come from the Han River without going into further detail. To lessen the pollution, water was being diverted from the neighboring Lake Chang.Industrial, agricultural, and domestic pollution have badly contaminated the majority of China’s canals, rivers, and lakes.