Silk route, Karnataka’s Gig workers bill

WHY IN NEWS ?

The Windamere palm (Trachycarpus latisectus) is spotlighted in recent news due to its presence along the historical Silk Route through Sikkim and Kalimpong. This publication by the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) not only catalogs over 1,100 flowering plants but also highlights the route’s botanical and geopolitical significance, emphasizing its role in ancient trade and its ecological treasures facing extinction threats today.

SUMMARY OF THE NEWS:

In recent news, the Botanical Survey of India has published “A Southern Silk Route: Sikkim and Kalimpong Wild Flowers and Landscapes,” documenting 1,137 plant species along the historic Silk Route from Kalimpong to Lhasa, highlighting species like the endangered Windamere palm (Trachycarpus latisectus) and their cultural and ecological significance. This research underscores the route’s role in ancient trade and its botanical diversity, linking history, botany, and geopolitics in the eastern Himalayas.

BOTANICAL SURVEY OF INDIA:

Role and Functions of Botanical Survey of India (BSI):

• BSI is an organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.
• It is responsible for surveying, inventorying, and documenting the flora of India.
• BSI plays a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, environmental impact assessment, and promoting sustainable development.

Objectives of BSI:

• To explore and study the plant resources of the country.
• To classify and document plant species, including their distribution, habitats, and conservation status.
• To publish scientific literature, reports, and databases related to Indian flora.
• To provide expertise and advisory services to government agencies and stakeholders.

Significance of BSI:

• BSI’s work is relevant for topics such as biodiversity conservation, environment, and ecology in both prelims and mains exams.
• Knowledge of BSI’s initiatives, publications, and their impact on policy-making can be crucial for answering questions related to environmental governance and sustainable development.

Current Initiatives and Publications:

• Recent publications like “A Southern Silk Route: Sikkim and Kalimpong Wild Flowers and Landscapes” highlight BSI’s research contributions.
• Focus on endangered species, conservation efforts, and their socio-economic implications can provide a comprehensive understanding of biodiversity issues in India.

Linkages with Other Organizations and International Frameworks:

• BSI collaborates with international organizations like IUCN, CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity), etc., reflecting India’s commitments to global biodiversity conservation efforts.
• Understanding these linkages helps in discussing India’s role in international environmental governance in the context of UPSC exams.

Challenges and Way Forward:

• Addressing challenges such as habitat loss, invasive species, climate change impacts, etc., through BSI’s research and policy recommendations.
• Emphasizing the importance of integrating biodiversity conservation with sustainable development goals.

The Windamere palm (Trachycarpus latisectus) background:

Ecological Importance:

• Habitat: Found primarily in the Kalimpong region of the eastern Himalayas, the Windamere palm thrives in diverse habitats ranging from subtropical to temperate zones.
• Biodiversity Support: It serves as a crucial component of the local ecosystem, providing habitat and sustenance for various species of wildlife, including birds and insects.

Cultural and Historical Significance:

• Silk Route Connection: The Windamere palm’s presence along the southern Silk Route highlights its role in ancient trade routes connecting India, Tibet, and Southeast Asia. These routes facilitated cultural exchange and trade of botanical resources.
• Traditional Uses: Historically, palms have had cultural significance in local communities, often used in traditional practices and rituals, showcasing their integration into local cultures.

Conservation Status:

• Endangered Species: The Windamere palm is categorized as endangered due to factors such as habitat destruction, climate change, and unsustainable harvesting practices.
• Conservation Efforts: Efforts by organizations like the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) aim to document, conserve, and restore populations of the Windamere palm through habitat protection, propagation, and community involvement.

Botanical Survey of India’s Role:

• Documentation and Research: BSI plays a crucial role in documenting and researching endangered plant species like the Windamere palm, contributing to scientific understanding and conservation strategies.
• Policy and Advocacy: BSI’s findings and recommendations inform policies related to biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and environmental governance.

Global and Local Implications:

• Biodiversity Conservation: Knowledge of the Windamere palm’s ecology and conservation status is pertinent to discussions on global biodiversity conservation efforts under international frameworks like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
• Local Conservation: Understanding local initiatives and community involvement in conserving species like the Windamere palm provides insights into grassroots conservation efforts and sustainable development practices.

PYQ:

Prelims 2018 Question:

   “Consider the following statements:

   1. The Botanical Survey of India (BSI) was established in 1890.

   2. It is an apex research organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change.

   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   (a) 1 only

   (b) 2 only

   (c) Both 1 and 2

   (d) Neither 1 nor 2”

   Answer: (a) 1 only

Explanation: The Botanical Survey of India (BSI) was indeed established in 1890, but it operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, not as an apex organization.

 Mains 2017 Question:

   “Discuss the scope and significance of the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) and the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) in the context of biodiversity conservation initiatives in India.”

HINT: In this type of question, candidates are expected to discuss the role, functions, and significance of BSI and ZSI in biodiversity conservation, mentioning their contributions to research, conservation policies, and their impact on biodiversity management in India.

Prelims 2016 Question:

   “Consider the following statements:

   1. The Botanical Survey of India (BSI) is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Environment and Forests.

   2. The Zonal Integrated Police Network (ZIPNET) project aims to computerize the police functions and create a national database of crime records.

   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   (a) 1 only

   (b) 2 only

   (c) Both 1 and 2

   (d) Neither 1 nor 2”

  Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation: The Botanical Survey of India (BSI) is not an autonomous organization but operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change.

WHY IN NEWS?

The Karnataka government’s new draft Bill aims to provide social security for platform-based gig workers, similar to Rajasthan’s recent legislation. Both Bills adopt a welfare board approach but fail to define employment relations critical for ensuring minimum wages and other labor protections, highlighting ongoing challenges in regulating the gig economy effectively.

SUMMARY OF THE NEWS:

The Karnataka government recently proposed the Karnataka Platform-based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2024, mirroring Rajasthan’s similar legislation. Both Bills focus on welfare boards for gig workers but avoid defining employment relations crucial for protections like minimum wages and working hours. This oversight reflects broader issues in the gig economy where platform aggregators, though not legally recognized as employers, effectively control workers’ conditions. This legal ambiguity undermines gig workers’ rights, contrasting with recent UK rulings acknowledging platform companies as employers under existing labor laws.

GIG WORKERS:

Gig workers are independent contractors, freelancers, or temporary workers who perform short-term tasks or projects, often mediated through digital platforms or apps.

They are distinct from traditional employees and are typically not entitled to benefits like minimum wages, health insurance, or job security.

Growth and Importance:

• The gig economy has seen significant growth globally and in India, especially in sectors like transportation (e.g., ride-hailing apps), delivery services, and freelance work (e.g., graphic design, writing).
• NITI Aayog projects the gig workforce in India could reach 23.5 million by 2030, indicating its growing importance in the labor market.

Legal and Regulatory Challenges:

• Employment status ambiguity: Gig workers are often classified as independent contractors by platforms, which exempts companies from providing employment benefits.
• Lack of labor protections: Gig workers face challenges related to minimum wages, working conditions, health benefits, and social security.

Recent Legislative Developments:

• Code on Social Security, 2020: Includes provisions for gig workers to access social security benefits, although it does not address all labor issues faced by them.
• State-specific laws like Rajasthan Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Act, 2023, and Karnataka’s proposed Bill aim to provide some social security measures but often do not tackle employment status concerns.

International Perspective:

• Rulings in countries like the UK have recognized gig workers as employees, entitling them to labor protections.
• Contrast with Indian regulations where gig workers are often treated as informal self-employed, limiting their legal protections.

Impact and Challenges:

• Economic impact: Gig work provides flexibility but often at the cost of job security and benefits.
• Social impact: Issues such as income instability, lack of access to healthcare and retirement benefits, and challenges in collective bargaining.

Way Forward:

• Reforming labor laws to recognize gig workers’ rights and ensure they receive fair wages, benefits, and social protections.
• Enhancing regulatory frameworks to balance innovation and protection in the gig economy.
• Encouraging dialogue between platforms, workers, and policymakers to address emerging challenges and ensure sustainable growth.

PYQ:

Prelims Year: 2024

Question:

   Which Indian state recently introduced the draft Karnataka Platform-based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2024, aimed at providing social security measures for gig workers?

    A) Maharashtra

    B) Karnataka

    C) Rajasthan

    D) Tamil Nadu

   Answer: B) Karnataka

Question (Year: 2023):

   The Rajasthan Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Act, 2023, focuses on:

    A) Employment regulation for gig workers

    B) Taxation of gig economy platforms

    C) Export-import policies for gig services

    D) Environmental regulations for gig workers

Answer: A) Employment regulation for gig workers

Mains Questions:

Question (Year: 2023):

   Discuss the challenges faced by gig workers in India and analyze the effectiveness of the Rajasthan Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Act, 2023, in addressing these challenges. (15 marks)

   HINT:

• Introduction to gig economy and its growth in India.
• Challenges faced by gig workers: Lack of job security, absence of social security benefits, ambiguous employment status, etc.
• Overview of the Rajasthan Act: Aimed at providing registration and welfare measures for gig workers.
• Analysis of effectiveness: Critique based on its provisions regarding social security, employment status clarity, and alignment with international best practices.
• Conclusion: Suggestions for improving the legal framework to better protect gig workers’ rights.

Question (Year: 2022):

   “The gig economy in India presents both opportunities and challenges. Discuss the regulatory measures needed to balance innovation and worker protection in the gig economy.” (15 marks)

   HINT:

• Introduction: Define the gig economy and its significance in India.
• Opportunities: Economic flexibility, job creation, leveraging technology.
• Challenges: Lack of labor protections, employment status ambiguity, social security concerns.
• Regulatory measures required: Examples from international practices, need for clear definitions of employment status, ensuring minimum wages and social security benefits, fostering dialogue between stakeholders.
• Conclusion: Emphasize the importance of balanced regulation to maximize benefits while safeguarding worker rights.