National Intelligence Grid or NATGRID

The National Intelligence Grid or NATGRID is an integrated intelligence master database structure for counter-terrorism purposes which connects 21 databases of various core security agencies under the Government of India. NATGRID aims to mitigate a vital deficiency — lack of real time information, which was considered to be one of the major hurdles in detecting US terror suspect David Headley's movement across the country during his multiple visits between 2006 and 2009.

NATGRID was conceptualised in 2009 in the aftermath of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, revived in 2016 and became operational at the end of 2020. It is based in Bengaluru and is accessible only to security agencies. It is a platform to facilitate secure intelligence-sharing between the National Investigative Agency (NIA) and State Anti-Terror Squads and enables the police and investigating agencies to securely access government and private databases in real time. It is being developed as a measure to help security agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Research & Analysis Wing (RAW) etc. in tackling crime and terror threats in the country.

NATGRID is a state-backed surveillance database that gives security agencies access to all kinds of data about a citizen, including details of driving licence, vehicle registration, bank records, Aadhaar registration, FASTag, hospital data, airline data, tax records, bank records, and also details of social media accounts which share posts on a particular issue, telecom and internet usage.

Additionally, NATGRID’s advanced analytics tool “Gandiva” can reportedly be used for facial recognition of criminals and potential suspects. Gandiva, NATGRID’s AI-driven intelligence query tool, adds a single point search and can match the image of a suspect with photo identity documents such as telecom KYC, vehicle registration or driving licence etc.

The Home Ministry has been advocating the use of NATGRID by State police and Central agencies to collect intelligence and speed up investigation of criminal cases. The platform gathered pace after investigating agencies and the state police were recently asked to scale up the use of NATGRID in all investigations.

Access to NATGRID is now available to Superintendent of Police (SP) rank officers. NATGRID is linked to the CCTNS ( Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems database covering around 14,000 police stations. Presently NATGRID is receiving 45,000 requests per month.


The NATGRID leverages Information Technology to connect approved User Agencies (security/law enforcement) with designated Data providers (Airlines, Banks, SEBI, Railway, Telecom etc.) with a view to enhance the country’s counter- terrorism capability. As per recent information, Govt. has linked the intel grid to National Population Register, agencies can access details of 119 crore residents

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/govt-links-intel-grid-to-national-population-register-agencies-can-access-details-of-119-crore-residents/article70437004.ece

Previous : Direct to Mobile (D2M)

Direct to Mobile (D2M)

Social media has been an important tool of communication but requires internet. Also facebook, X, youtube etc. are governed by rules and laws of miscellaneous companies and countries.

 

In the past we have watched broadcasts in India without internet using Over-the-Air (OTA) TV antennas for traditional TVs. For several years now, the Government has been working on a broader push for digital self-reliance using Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) technology. This is being developed to stream live TV directly to compatible smartphones and other mobile devices and will allow content on a mobile phone without a data connection. By minimising dependence on internet infrastructure, the D2M model could also reduce content delivery costs and relieve pressure on telecom networks.

 

The D2M technology enables users to receive live TV, video, audio, and text content directly on mobile phones without internet or Wi-Fi access. This approach leverages terrestrial TV broadcast signals to deliver content, positioning it as a potential disruptor to traditional data-driven streaming services. In a paper titled 'D2M Broadcast 5G Broadband Convergence Roadmap for India', published by IIT Kanpur in 2022, it was noted that currently available mobile devices do not support D2M technology. To make these devices compatible, a separate baseband processing unit is needed, along with an antenna, low-noise amplifiers, baseband filters and a receiver. Traditionally, it has been employed for issuing emergency alerts and assisting in disaster management. The government said that using D2M, information can be directly delivered on the mobile phone of users without straining network bandwidth.

The D2M platform is not entirely new to India and has undergone multi-year testing on live networks through a collaboration between public broadcaster Prasar Bharati, IIT Kanpur, and Tata group. GOI, in collaboration with several partners, has also required private players to prepare to roll out Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) phones in India, ahead of upcoming nationwide field trials,

 

The D2M technology functions in the manner similar to FM radio, where a receiver gets the transmitted signal. It is also similar to direct-to-home (DTH) broadcasting in which a dish antenna receives broadcast signals directly from satellites and transmits them to a receiver, also known as a set-top box.

Last year, pilot projects to test the D2M technology were carried out in Bengaluru, Kartavya Path and Noida. After successful pilot trials, the technology is moving toward a phased commercial rollout in mid/late 2026. The phones to be launched will include chipsets that support features like emergency alerts, targeted advertising, and educational content without relying on mobile data. Mobile phones have been launched by Lava and HMD (who manufactured Nokia phones).

Once implemented, it is likely to be as revolutionary and successful as India’s UPI (Unified Payments Interface), more especially in rural and smaller cities where internet penetration is low.

 

https://www.communicationstoday.co.in/direct-to-mobile-unlocking-indias-next-digital-wave/ 

Next : National Intelligence Grid or NATGRID

Previous : Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC)

Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC)

Technology helped us take the enemy head on and win the Kargil by the laser guided precision bombs and heavy artillery. Data about enemy troop was required and Indian military sought GPS data. The space-based navigation system would have provided vital information but USA denied it to India. Our fighter Pilots flew real-time missions with hand-held GPS and use of airpower was one of the excellent features of the Kargil operations.

To avoid heavy reliance on GPS technology, ISRO established a regional navigation satellite system called Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) earlier known as Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS). The project was approved in 2006 by the Indian government, the launch of the first NavIC satellite was in 2013 and completion of the NavIC constellation was in 2016.  NavIC became operational in 2017, offering Standard Positioning Service (SPS) for civilian users and Restricted Service (RS) for authorized / strategic users, with position accuracy better than 20 meters in its primary service area. And a year later NavIC was integrated in mobile devices to promote widespread adoption and usage. Continuous improvements and the addition of new satellites ensure NavIC remains a robust and reliable regional navigation system, supporting diverse applications in India and neighboring areas.

GPS (Global Positioning System) is a satellite-based navigation system developed and maintained by the United States Department of Defense since 1973. It consists of a constellation of at least 24 satellites orbiting Earth. GPS is widely used worldwide in civilian, commercial, and military operations, providing position accuracy within a few meters. GPS has been a Global pioneer for decades whereas NavIC has been an emerging Indigenous technology in recent times. NavIC is designed with a constellation of 7 satellites and a network of ground stations operating 24 x 7. The coverage area includes India and a region up to 1500 km beyond Indian boundary. NavIC signals are designed to provide user position accuracy better than 20m and timing accuracy better than 50ns.

GPS offers a global solution, whereas NavIC is specially designed for regional applications within India, focusing on domestic needs, such as public safety and disaster management, which aligns with India’s strategic objectives.
 
https://www.isro.gov.in/SatelliteNavigationServices.html

NavIC, India’s regional navigation satellite system, focuses on applications particularly relevant to India and its neighboring regions. It is used for public vehicle tracking, improving safety standards in commercial transportation, and ensuring real-time alerts for emergencies, such as alerts for fishermen in distress at sea.. The technology is also used in disaster management efforts as it provides precise location data, which is crucial for assessing damage, coordinating rescue operations, and streamlining disaster response initiatives.

When India unleashed Operation Sindoor in May 2025, the world watched its advanced missiles, drones, and stealth assets. But one of the most decisive factors in the success of this coordinated military operation was invisible - orbiting silently above the subcontinent - NavIC, India’s indigenous satellite navigation system. India's use of NavIC during Operation Sindoor demonstrated several critical advantages:

- Independence from U.S. GPS: India could strike deep without relying on any foreign-owned navigation signals.

- Encrypted Military Channel prevented Pakistani jamming or spoofing during missile and drone missions

India’s vision for Navic includes hypersonic weapon integration for guiding future hypersonic glide vehicles. And Space command network for India’s Defence, Space, Intelligence and surveillance.

https://www.earlytimes.in/m/newsdet.aspx?q=175100

(NavIC maps are available, the free version helps location and directions but unlike say Google Maps, does not show vehicular traffic. I have not tried the paid version).

Next: Direct to Mobile (D2M)

Previous : Chenab Rail Bridge. World's highest railway arch bridge

Chenab Rail Bridge. World's highest railway arch bridge

Prime Minister Narendra Modi  inaugurated the Chenab Rail Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir on 6th June 2025, marking a major milestone in India’s railway infrastructure. It is the tallest railway arch bridge in the world. This event is also a significant development in enhancing rail connectivity in the region, especially between Jammu and Srinagar. It is:

The world’s highest railway arch bridge standing 359 metres above the Chenab River, it is designed as a steel arch bridge. Chenab Bridge with an overall length of 1315 m, an arch span of 467 m, and towering 359 m above the riverbed—making it taller than the Eiffel Tower and acclaimed as the world's highest arch railway bridge.

 

An engineering feat, built to endure extreme seismic activity and high wind speeds, the bridge represents a triumph of modern engineering in one of India’s most challenging terrains.

 

On connectivity, the bridge is a key component of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. It will significantly reduce travel time between Katra and Srinagar to about three hours, via the Vande Bharat trains – as against the 67 hours by road.

After an extensive inspection of the newly constructed Chenab Bridge by senior officers from Railway Board, Northern Railway and Konkan Railway, a trial run of the eight-coach Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) train was conducted on 5th June. This was on a 46-km-long electrified line section between Sangaldan in Ramban district and Reasi at a speed of 40 kmph. The world’s highest railway bridge, in Jammu and Kashmir, marks a significant step towards commencing rail operations on the Reasi-Baramulla route in Kashmir. 

According to Afcons Infrastructure Limited, the top infrastructure company that constructed the bridge, one of the main and earliest challenges was access to the bridge location, to transport equipment and construction materials. Eventually, on the North side of the river bank, an 11-km road was constructed and a 12-km road on the South side. Further comments on the challenges faced can be read here:

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/chenab-bridge-construction-horses-mules-worlds-highest-railway-bridge/article69667650.ece

 

Other articles can be read here:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/news/jk-pm-narendra-modi-inaugurates-worlds-highest-railway-arch-today-chenab-bridge-in-8-points/articleshow/121667318.cms

https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/pm-modi-inaugurate-worlds-highest-chenab-rail-bridge-june-6-top-points-125060500273_1.html

 

Next : Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC)

 Previous: Muslims marry/remarry under the Special Marriage Act

Muslims marry/remarry under the Special Marriage Act

Many who talk of Women’s lib and their empowerment have preferred to ignore the glaring inequality of women’s rights under Muslim Personal Law in India. One important aspect relates to unequal inheritance rights of daughters wherein a daughter is only entitled to a share in property which is half of that of the son. If there is no son only 2/3rd of the property goes to the daughter and the remaining to the man’s brothers or other relatives. Also, the estate of a Muslim can only pass to a Muslim, which prejudices the wife or children following another religion.

After 29 years, advocate and actor C Shukkur, (known for his role as a lawyer in the Kunchacko Boban starrer ‘Nna Thaan Case Kodu’), remarried his wife Sheena — former Pro-Vice Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University — under the Special Marriage Act (SMA) in 2023 on Women’s Day with all three of their daughters in attendance as witnesses. The remarriage was done to save the property rights of his three daughters.

When a Muslim couple marries under the Special Marriage Act of 1954, they cease to be Muslims for the purpose of inheritance. Thereafter, their property is no longer governed by the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act of 1937. The cascading effect of Shukkur’s initiative is now being witnessed on the ground. In the two districts where data was collected by them under RTI, Thrissur witnessed 144 registrations under the act, 133 such registrations were held in Kasaragod.

This trend, if it is indeed so, indicates one reason for the Uniform Civil Code proposed to be implemented by the BJP

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2024/Jul/10/muslim-community-turns-to-special-marriage-act-for-fair-inheritance-in-kerala  

Next: Chenab Rail Bridge. World's highest railway arch bridge

Previous : Aarogya Maitri

Aarogya Maitri

In a groundbreaking development, India has introduced the 'Aarogya Maitri Cube,' the world's first portable disaster hospital, designed to sustain 200 survivors for 48 hours. This revolutionary creation has been conceived under the 'Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri' (BHISHM). In February 2022, a dedicated task force under the Ministry of Defence was instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. As per the brief given, Air Vice Marshal Tanmoy Roy, head of the task force told  Media that BHISHM had to make something original and innovative. Being a doctor himself, along with 6 of his colleagues Roy understood what is required during a medical emergency of any kind and might, and how important it is to be well equipped and deploy aid at the right time. This led to the indigenously developed  Aarogya Maitri Cubes.

In January 2023, at the the Concluding Leaders’ Session of the two-day virtual ‘Voice of Global South, PM announced the ‘Aarogya Maitri’ project under which India would provide essential medical supplies to any developing country affected by natural disasters or humanitarian crisis. 

The idea of February 2022, was announced in Jan 2023 and already 'Aarogya Maitri Cubes' have been donated to Myanmar as a goodwill gesture

In the picture above, Indian High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka presented state-of-the-art Arogya Maitri Cube to Sri Lanka

The 'Aarogya Maitri Cube' is composed of three frames, with each accommodating 12 mini-cubes. The portable hospital consists of a four wheeled cage that encloses a total of 36 mini-cubes that suffice for a 100 survivors, for a period of 2 days/48 Hours, this arrangement is called a master cube. The design of the master cube is such that it can adjoin a similar master cube, to encompass a total of 72 mini cubes, catering to 200 survivors.

These cubes can handle various severe injuries, from bullet wounds to spinal fractures, providing critical medical support in the most challenging circumstances. Each Aarogya Maitri Cube comprises an operation theatre, mini-ICU, ventilator, blood test equipment, X-ray machine, cooking station, food, water, shelter, power generator, and more, all compactly packed into 72 cubes. These cubes, ingeniously designed for flexibility, are an innovative approach to disaster response. The contents of the cubes can be tailored to specific needs, whether it's responding to natural disasters, war zones, epidemics, or challenging terrains. This wholly Made-in-India product is affordable, costing less than Rs 2.5 crore for 72 cube boxes and can be airlifted.

The multifaceted aid kit proves to be helpful for astringent as well as the most severe injuries. It includes Forty bullet injuries, Twenty-five major bleeds, 25 major burns, around 10 long limb fractures, head injuries, spinal injuries or fractures and chest injuries. 

https://www.news18.com/india/aarogya-maitri-cube-india-builds-worlds-first-portable-hospital-to-keep-200-survivors-alive-for-48-hrs-8560481.html

Many details are available here 

https://asianatimes.com/worlds-first-portable-hospital-india-triumphs/

Next : Muslims remarry under Special Marriage Act

Previous : Amrit Sarovar

Amrit Sarovar

The objective of Mission Amrit Sarovar under the Ministry of Rural Development is to develop at least 75 Amrit Sarovars in every district of the country during Amrit Mahotsav of Independence. The Mission was launched 24th April, 2022 with a view to conserve water for the future through  rain water conservation and harvesting by renovating Amrit Sarovars which have reached the verge of extinction and constructing of new Amrit Sarovar. These would become the centre of local community activities. A user group is formed for each Amrit Sarovar for there community ownership and maintenance. 

The target was set to build 50 thousand Amrit Sarovar by August 15, 2023, this has been achieved ahead of schedule. As per their press release of 10th May 2023, 50,071 Amrit Sarovar have been completed. 

The aim is to conserve water for the future generations with the combined efforts of district administration, Panchayat Raj officials, public representatives, panchayats, voluntary organizations, various institutions and public participation in states and union territories.  In this on-going project, over one lac sites have been identified.

So far 59,282 user groups have joined Mission Amrit Sarovar for maintaining the Sarovar and generating their livelihood from it. Public participation has converted this mission into a mass movement. So far, 1784 freedom fighters, 684 families of martyrs, 448 families of freedom fighters, 18173 senior members of panchayats and 56 Padma awardees have participated in the mission.

An android application is used for inspection of all Amrit Sarovar that are built across the country.  There are several media reports on the status or planning towards achieving the targets. A report from Nashik, Maharashtra, can be read here https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nashik/2l-people-to-benefit-from-131-amrit-sarovars/articleshow/100780760.cms

Like so many of the other government schemes, there is regular updationof status which can be seen here; https://amritsarovar.gov.in/. The current completion as on 29th July 2023 is 63,860

Next : Aarogya Mantri

Previous: Jal Jeevan Mission : An update

Jal Jeevan Mission - An update

 Government of India's Jal Jeevan Mission, envisioned providing safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections by 2024 to all households in ALL rural India. It has various components -  recharge and reuse, water conservation, rain water harvesting etc.. Details of this programme can be seen here.

https://jaljeevanmission.gov.in/https://jaljeevanmission.gov.in/

I had posted about this earlier, (Jal Jeevan Mission and Goa's success),  now thought of looking at the present position. As on 15th August 2019, out of over 19.45 crores of rural households, only 3.24 crores - just 16.63% of rural households got water. In less than four years since then, 8.89 cr rural households have been provided water connections, taking the present statistics to 62.84% - a fourfold increase in such a short time. Thus it took over 70 years to reach  16% and another 4 years to do another 48% of rural households in India. Though behind schedule, yet what a fantastic performance.

 

The position is updated daily and can be seen here

https://ejalshakti.gov.in/jjmreport/JJMIndia.aspx

100% connection has been achieved by Goa (the first to do so), A&N Islands, Dadra &...., Haryana, Gujarat, Puducherry, Punjab, and Telengana. The laggards in decreasing order of achievement are Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and West Bengal.  Lakshadweep is at 0%

Next : Amrit Sarovar

Previous : Slow progress in regard to Enemy Property

Slow progress in regard to Enemy Property

Evacuee and or Enemy property is that left behind by nationals/ residents of Pakistan or China (or any other country who performed external belligerence against India) and who have moved out of India.  During the two wars with Pakistan in 1965 and 1971, the Indian government took over many properties owned by those who had opted for Pakistani citizenship, to ensure that profits accruing from that property or business were not channeled to Pakistan to help it fight the war.

In Delhi about 3,500 built-up evacuee properties were transferred by the rehabilitation ministry to the municipal corporation of Delhi for slum clearance, during the period of 1962 to 1974. Another 10,000 bighas of agricultural land was also transferred by the ministry of rehabilitation to the DDA for land and building development.

Pakistan sold off all such property in 1975, Due, inter-alia, to various Indian court decisions the Act in this regard was last revised in 2017. Read more here. The guidelines for the disposal of properties were amended in 2019, to facilitate ‘usages of enemy property by the state government exclusively for public use’. Various committees have also been set up and surveys undertaken.

Reasons for the amended Bill:

• The term “Enemy” was widened to include legal heirs irrespective of the citizenship.
• The sale of enemy property cannot be performed by the enemy/ heirs, the Law of Succession will not be applicable.
• The Government can exclusively use the enemy property for public use.
•  Civil Courts cannot entertain matters related to enemy property, only High Courts and Supreme Court will be having jurisdiction.
• The Custodian becomes the owner of enemy property retrospectively from 1968 and will have all rights to evict, get encroachments removed and sell enemy property.

An issue raised against the amendment is that it applies retrospectively and impacts the rights of an earlier purchaser of such property

 Extent of Properties

 An estimated 7 million left for Pakistan after the partition/ communal clashes, and 5 million migrated from West Pakistan to India. Of the total then estimated 9,406 enemy properties in India, 9,280 were left behind by Pakistani nationals and 126 properties by Chinese nationals. Also shares worth about 3000 crores (Feb 2019). Amongst the former, 4,991 are located in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal has 2,735 and Delhi 487. Properties left by Chinese nationals is in Meghalaya (57), West Bengal has 29 such properties and Assam seven. These properties were estimated to be valued at over rupees one lakh crores,

In Nov 21, it was reported that there are 12610 number of Enemy Properties (belonging to Pakistan Nationals and Chinese Nationals), which have been declared and are vested in the Custodian of Enemy Property for India.

 Some recent developments

Hyderabad Oct 2021 : The single largest enemy property in India is on the outskirts of Hyderabad spread over more than 650 acres in Shamshabad Mandal Ranga Reddy district.. CEPI has been pursuing the case with the state government due to the threat of encroachments looming large as land sharks set eyes on it. The encroaches apparently include some prominent and politically well-connected individuals and cover over 540 acres

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/cepi-cracks-down-on-shamshabad-squatters/articleshow/86899239.cms

 Goa Oct 2021 - The state identified 3.5,00,00 square metres of land as enemy property. Over 40 apartments and 30 shops across seven buildings 19 residential bungalows and several commercial houses had come up in part of this enemy property in one area alone.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/3-5l-sqm-of-enemy-property-identified-will-conduct-resurvey-if-needed-cm-to-house/articleshow/87144774.cms

 Kanpur May 2022 : -  Notices have served on 30 people of the city following a campaign to remove people living in enemy properties for years.

 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/91479129.cms

Ghonda June 2022: The district administration has freed a 56-bigha enemy property from encroachers in Akauni village, Gonda, UP when a team along with heavy police force, operated a tractor over the sugarcane crop which was planted on the said piece of land, and destroyed it, a case was registered against four encroachers.

 https://www.outlookindia.com/national/56-bigha-enemy-property-freed-in-gonda-news-194593

This issue recently came into limelight in regard to the riots that too place in Kanpur early this month. It was found that stone pelting etc. was done from several storey high buildings that were built on enemy property

Next: Jal Jeevan  Mission - An update

Previous : Evacuee and/or Enemy property

Evacuee and/or Enemy property

By an Act of 1950 any person who, for fear of disturbances, had left for a place outside India, or become a resident of Pakistan was an “evacuee". And “evacuee property" was of an evacuee (held in any capacity), as also any property obtained from an evacuee. Such evacuee property was deemed to have been vested in the Custodian for the State.

 The evacuee property legislation was actually a predecessor of the current Enemy Property Act. The office of the Custodian of Evacuee Property appropriated buildings and land worth crores of rupees while also using the properties to provide shelter to those who moved to India after partition, as the evacuee property law allowed a migrant’s family to reclaim, in the country they settled in, the value of their forsaken property. 

 The Enemy Property Act, enacted in 1968, provided for the continuous vesting of enemy property in the Custodian of Enemy Property for India (CEPI). The central government, through the Custodian, is in possession of enemy properties spread across many states in the country.  With the India-Pakistan wars of 1965 and 1971, people migrated from India to Pakistan. The Government of India took over the properties and companies of those who took Pakistani nationality. These “enemy properties” were vested by the central government in the Custodian of Enemy Property for India (CEPI). The same was done for property left behind by those who went to China after the 1962 Sino-Indian war.

 The Tashkent Declaration of January 10, 1966 included a clause that said India and Pakistan would discuss the return of the property and assets taken over by either side in connection with the conflict. However, the Government of Pakistan disposed of all such properties in their country in the year 1971 itself.

These properties were initially managed by the home ministry but shifted to state governments in 1989. Subsequently, evacuee land and properties were transferred to them for management and disposal.

Some Courts decisions and subsequent actions 

Courts initially supported CEPI orders but later verdicts hampered their powers.

The estate of the erstwhile Raja of Mahmudabad, declared enemy property, was claimed by his son and after a long legal battle, an SC bench on October 21, 2005, ruled in favour of the son. If the “Enemy” dies, then the property will be transferred through succession and it will no longer be enemy property, if the successor is a citizen of India. Also the enemy can sell the property. In another case, the Bombay High Court held that the power of the CEPI does not include the eviction of an occupant in the unauthorized occupation, without following the proper procedure such as filing of the suit or filing a suit for recovery."

On July 2, 2010, the then UPA government promulgated an Ordinance that restrained courts from ordering the government to divest enemy properties from the Custodian. The 2005 SC order was thus rendered ineffective, and the Custodian again took over the Raja’s properties. The Bill was referred to the Standing Committee and thereafter lapsed

On January 7, 2016, the President of India promulgated The Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) Ordinance, 2016, which was replaced by the Bill that became law in 2017. The Act was amended in 2017 to ensure that the successors of those who migrated to Pakistan and China, will have no claim over the properties left behind in India.

In 2017, Parliament passed The Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) Bill, 2016, which expanded the definition of the term “enemy subject”, and “enemy firm” to include the legal heir and successor of an enemy, whether a citizen of India or a citizen of a country which is not an enemy.

The amended law provided that enemy property shall continue to vest in the Custodian even if the enemy or enemy subject or enemy firm ceases to be an enemy due to death, extinction, winding up of business or change of nationality, or that the legal heir or successor is a citizen of India or a citizen of a country which is not an enemy.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-what-is-enemy-property-in-india-and-how-has-the-government-dealt-with-it-6231854/

Next  : Slow progress in regard to Enemy Property

Previous : Recent Interesting Decisions on Waqf Property

Recent Interesting Decisions on Waqf Property

While the relevance of the Waqf Act might be questionable, there is also the the problem of illegal land encroachment. Establishments such as the Central Waqf Board could be illegally gaining control of land by terming them as waqf properties. These Boards have time and again been accused of acquiring lands and public places by fraudulent means. 

On the other side, are the majority of Mutawalis / custodians and religious leaders working hand in glove with Muslim politicians in grabbing Waqf land? In Telangana reportedly more than 2/3rd of Waqf property has been encroached.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/a-sordid-tale-of-encroachments-and-inaction/article37062875.ece 

The (M.P., Karnataka) High Courts have held that when an appeal is made against any decision to the Tribunal and the decision of the Tribunal is final then the jurisdiction of the Civil Court is dismissed.

In February 2022 the Supreme Court observed that the Waqf Board can determine the nature of the property as Waqf only after conducting an enquiry as prescribed under section 40 of the Waqf Act. 

Also in Feb 2022 - SC upheld Telangana govt’s right over 1654 acre Hyderabad land claimed by Wakf Board. The Telangana government had leased out the land for setting up a university etc., township and other institutions of repute. The state government had appealed to the Supreme Court after losing out before the Andhra Pradesh HC in April 2012. The state had claimed that as a result of the HC ruling, it would be required to pay a huge sum running into thousands of crores of rupees as compensation to the Telangana Waqf Board.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sc-upholds-telangana-govt-s-right-over-1654-acre-hyderabad-land-claimed-by-wakf-board-101644258721835.html 

In a judgement related to Rajasthan, in April 2022, the Supreme Court held that in the absence of proof of dedication or "grant" (the disputed area) cannot be recognised as a religious place for offering namaz.

https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/waqf-act-dilapidated-structure-cannot-be-recognised-as-a-religious-place-for-offering-namaaz-without-proof-of-dedication-supreme-court-197919 

Next : Evacuee and/or Enemy property

Previous :  On Waqf Property

On Waqf Property

A waqf is an inalienable charitable endowment under Islamic law. It typically involves donating a building, plot of land or other assets for Muslim religious or charitable purposes with no intention of reclaiming the assets. Any person believing in Islam can dedicate or give his or her property in the name of God for religious and charitable purposes, such property is Waqf property. This is an irrevocable and permanent dedication /transfer. A non-Muslim cannot transfer property as Waqf unless he or she believes in Islam. 

While there was the Waqf Act 1954, Waqfs in India are now governed by the Act of 1995. A survey commissioner under the Act lists all properties declared as Waqf by making local investigation, summoning witnesses and requisitioning public documents. 

A Waqf Board is a juristic person with power to acquire and hold property. Each state has a Waqf Board headed by and with Muslim personal on it - recognised scholars of Islamic theology.

Section 40 Waqf Board Act mentions that any property in India can be claimed as Waqf Board Property. And under Section 52: The Waqf Board can, after the inquiry, ask the local Collector to deliver the possession of the property.

While most of them are Sunni Waqf Boards, the country does have some Shia Boards too. For any dispute with the Waqf Board, one must appeal to the Waqf Tribunal. The Wakf Act was amended in 2013, making it mandatory for States to constitute a three member Tribunal which would include one person knowing Muslim Law. There are huge and multiple Waqf properties in India, thus for e.g. the Jama Masjid in Delhi, the two Imambaras in Lucknow are Waqf properties. 

Incidentally, the board also takes 7% of the income from waqf property – 1% for the Central Waqf Council, and 6% for itself.

https://www.indiatimes.com/explainers/news/what-is-waqf-act-and-who-owns-the-waqf-land-in-india-567556.html

The issue really also is - no civil court has any jurisdiction. So an aggrieved person would have to approach a High Court. And how many would have the wherewithal to do so is a *big* question. And would he/she consider the effort, money and time worth it?

Next : Recent Interesting Decisions on Waqf Property

Previous : Hippocratic Oath and Charak Shapath

Hippocratic Oath and Charak Shapath

The Dean of Madurai Medical College was removed on May 1 2022 after a batch of new students were administered an oath in Sanskrit attributed to the ancient Indian sage Maharshi Charak instead of the traditional Hippocratic Oath in English.

NMC (which replaced the Medical Council of India as the regulatory body for medical education and practices)  recently suggested that medical colleges may allow their students to take ‘Charak Shapath’ instead of the Hippocratic Oath, historically taken by physicians the world over. This oath is attributed to Hippocrates, a physician from the Greek island of Kos, from the classical period (4th-5th centuries BC). The earliest available fragments of the original oath date back to the late 3rd century AD.

Charak Shapath or Charak’s oath is a passage from the 'Charak Samhita' which is a guideline by the acharya (or a teacher) to medical students. A part of the Shapath comes as a sermon by the Acharya. Charak was one of the principal contributors to Ayurved and was the editor of the medical treatise entitled ‘Charak Samhita’. The compendium serves as one of the foundational texts of Ayurveda. Like many sages in ancient Indian history, Charak’s historicity is unknown. The Samhita however is a pharmacopoeia dating back to the 1st-2nd centuries AD. Charak Shapath or Charak’s oath is a passage from the 'Charak Samhita' which is a guideline by the acharya (or a teacher) to medical students. A part of the Shapath comes as a sermon by the Acharya.

The incident triggered a controversy with the language being a sensitive issue in Tamil Nadu. The State govt. “will oppose and defeat the efforts to “impose” languages like Hindi and Sanskrit”. Their Health Minister Subramanian said that deans of all medical colleges in the state have been asked to stick to the Hippocratic Oath. 

Undergraduates at All India Institute Of Medical Science (AIIMS) — the country’s premier institute for medical education — have been administered the Charak Shapath during their annual convocation for several years now, at least since 2013. The AIIMS oath includes: “Not for the self, not for the fulfilment of any worldly material desire or gain, but solely for the good of suffering humanity, I will treat my patient and excel well”.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya reportedly “assured that Charak Shapath will be optional and will not be forced to replace the Hippocratic Oath”.

On May 4, the State Govt. reinstated the Dean of the Madurai Medical College.

My opinion : Tamil Nadu Govt seems to consider itself closer to a Greek Island than to that within India.

https://www.timesnownews.com/education/tamil-nadu-charak-shapath-row-what-is-it-and-how-does-it-differ-from-hippocratic-oath-article-91257708 

Next: On Waqf Property

Previous : Katchtheevu and India's Territorial Sea Rights

Katchtheevu and India's Territorial Sea Rights

Territorial sea extends to a limit of 12 nautical miles (approx. 22 kms) beyond the coastal landline with full sovereignty over the air space, above the sea, over the seabed and subsoil. Other countries have right of innocent passage through the territorial sea but not of air space.

Katchatheevu is a 163-acre uninhabited island located between Neduntheevu, Sri Lanka and Rameswaram, India - traditionally used by fishermen of both countries, and presently administered by Sri Lanka. The island used to be a part of the Ramnad Kingdom in Madurai which, during the British rule, became part of the Madras Presidency. Ownership of the island has been controversial as during the British rule, the island was administered by both countries. In 1921, both Sri Lanka and India laid claims to Katchatheevu.

In 1974, then PM, Indira Gandhi ceded Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka under the "Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime agreement". Another agreement of 1976 was on fishing rights.

The Sri Lankan Navy came into the picture during their Civil War to control the smuggling of weapons by LTTE. With depletion of fish and aquatic life in the Indian continental shelf, more fishermen poached into the Sri Lankan sea area. In 2010 the Sri Lankan government issued a notice to Tamil Nadu government saying the Indian court cannot nullify the 1974 agreement.

The island is important to fishermen of Tamil Nadu and has led to some agitations. The legality of the transfer was challenged in the Supreme Court since the recognizing was not ratified by the Indian Parliament (as provided in the agreement) nor was the State Govt consulted. In June 2011 the CM Tamil Nadu, J. Jayalalithaa, filed a petition in the Supreme Court that the declaration of the 1974 and 1976 agreements between India and Sri Lanka on ceding of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka were unconstitutional. The matter is still sub-judicial.

However, the Indian government had stated, "No territory belonging to India was ceded nor sovereignty relinquished since the area was in dispute and had never been demarcated" and that the dispute on the status of the island was settled in 1974 by an agreement, and both countries took into account historical evidence and legal aspects.

This island Katchatheevu was "gifted" by Indira Gandhi to Sri Lanka in 1974 and is still a matter of dispute with Indian fishermen getting arrested or even killed. Apart from the issue of fishing rights etc. there is, in my view, also the issue of territorial sea extending about 22 km beyond the land, the sovereign rights to the airspace,  over the sea and the seabed below. Distance from India to main Sri Lanka is 55 kms but to Katchatheevu merely 25 kms.

So who has territorial sea rights over the sea between?

https://www.indiatimes.com/explainers/news/katchatheevu-island-a-gift-to-sri-lanka-is-now-causing-fishermens-conflict-564430.html

Next : Hippocratic Oath and Charaka Shapath

Previous : Kendriya Vidyalayas

Kendriya Vidyalayas

The Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan aims to set-up  & manage schools under CBSE, for the children of transferable employees of the Government of India, floating populations & others including those living in remote & undeveloped locations of the country. All Kendriya Vidyalayas are co-educational, composite schools. The quality of teaching aims an appropriate teacher-pupil ratio. There is no tuition fee for boys upto Class VIII, girls upto Class XII and SC/ST students and children of KVS employees.

Even today, it's mission statement reads “to cater to the educational needs of children of transferable Central Government including Defence and Para-military personnel by providing a common programme of education”;

https://kvsangathan.nic.in/about-kvs/mission 

Seems anyone and everyone had quotas. Previously, for e.g. an MP was allowed to recommend two admissions in an academic year, increased to five in 2011, six in 2012, and 10 in 2016.  5 seats in each section of class 1 were filled by the children of sponsoring agencies. The Union Education Minister was allowed to recommend admission of 450 students under a separate ‘discretionary’ quota. There were many other “entitlements.” This year’s recommendations apparently exceeded 60,000 with demands for more seats

We in the public sector would recall that admission for our kids, to Kendriya Vidyalayas, was well nigh impossible – our transfers were not recent enough or frequent enough to make us entitled.  

These quotas have now been generally scrapped. 👏👏👏  This is expected to free over 40,000 seats in the centrally-funded schools across India. Some criteria have been added or continue.

KVS will now be having seats for children who have been orphaned due to the covid-19 pandemic. There is provision for single girl children. There are quotas for Armed Forces

Children of serving KVS employees will also be considered for admission  but for class 9, the child has to clear the admission test. No admission to the wards of retired persons.

Children of central govt employees who died in harness, children of recipients of various gallantry wards, meritorious sports children etc can get admission.

https://www.news18.com/news/education-career/kendriya-vidyalaya-admissions-mp-edu-ministry-quotas-gone-covid-19-orphans-added-check-new-rules-for-kvs-5062075.html

Next : Katchtheevu and India's Territorial Sea Rights

Previous : Global Centre for Traditional Medicine

Global Centre for Traditional Medicine

In general, in India, all of us have grown up using home remedies coming from traditional knowledge. To us it is neither unusual nor spectacular. In developed countries however, such usage is limited. A classic example is of the attempt to patent the use of haldi. As also, in part, that of Neem or Basmati rice. These gave all of us quite a shock. 

On 19th April this year, PM Modi, along with WHO DG Dr Ghebreyesus and Mauritius PM Pravind Jugnauth laid the foundation stone for the WHO Global Center for Traditional Medicine (GCTM) in Jamnagar in Gujarat. The first of its kind, the GCTM will be a global outpost centre for traditional medicine across the world

"When India is celebrating 75 years of its Independence right now, this ground-breaking ceremony for this centre marks the beginning of a new era of traditional medicine in the world during the next 25 years," Modi said on this occasion. "Looking at the increasing popularity of holistic healthcare, I am confident that traditional medicine and this centre will help thought  become very important for each and every family of the world after 25 years, when India will be celebrating 100 years of independence

The GCTM is a knowledge centre for traditional medicine. As part of WHO’s overall traditional medicine strategy, it has a strategic focus on evidence and learning, data and analytics, sustainability and equity, and innovation and technology to optimize the contribution of traditional medicine to global health and sustainable development. At the same time, respect for local heritages, resources and rights is a guiding principle.

The WHO anticipate that harnessing the potential of traditional medicine would be a game changer for health when founded on evidence, innovation and sustainability. India’s support for establishing  the Centre as a global good and in the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kudumbakam: the world is one family.

https://www.who.int/news/item/25-03-2022-who-establishes-the-global-centre-for-traditional-medicine-in-india

Jamnagar already has the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, (ITRA). Established in 1967, ITRA or Gujarat Ayurved University is the first university to offer education and training in the field of Ayurveda across the world. The institution was formed by an act approved by Gujarat State legislative Assembly in the year 1965. It is devoted to Ayurvedic studies and Research and is administratively associated with the Health Ministry at State and Centre level. This university is a self-governing institution supported by the Government of Gujarat State.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/foundation-stone-for-who-traditional-medicine-centre-laid-in-jamnagar/article65336264.ece

Next :  Kendriya Vidyalayas

Previous : Endometriosis

Endometriosis

Amrita is a very close friend of my daughter since their school days. She recently underwent endometriosis excision surgery but to get there has been a very long and painful journey. She has written about it in the hope that it spreads awareness about this debilitating condition that affects hundreds of millions of women around the world.

https://medium.com/@amritarajagopal/is-this-thing-on-e0681392ba85

Do read the link

Next : Global Centre for Traditional Medicine

Previous: Some Issues with Halal Certification

Some Issues with Halal Certification

This is in continuation of the earlier post. Halal (from the Quran) means “permitted” or “lawful” and is used for food and other consumables that are permissible for consumption by Muslims, based on Islamic Shariah law. It may be recalled that the government body, FSSAI doesn't give halal certification in India. Halal certification is given by Muslim private bodies, and their guidelines do not permit non-Muslim employees to be engaged in any part of the slaughtering process which has to conform to the intrinsically Islamic practice including reciting verses from the Quran.

The trend of Halal certification for meat / other food and non-food products is continuously increasing. While Halal meat is said to be healthy, the anti-halal lobby claim that Halal certification is also a business model that makes others pay for the Islamic beliefs; Muslims call this Islamophobia.

Ever since I became aware of the Halal Certification process, I have become more alert. I am a vegetarian and am happy to say that none of the products I consume, whether food items or cosmetics etc. have this certification. However, my readings on this topic have thrown up some issues especially related to meat consumption.

• In Jan 2021, APEDA amended their manual and clarified that govt does not mandate that only meat slaughtered by Halal method as per Islamic Shariyat, has to be exported, it is the requirement of the majority of countries importing the meat*.  

https://www.theweek.in/news/biz-tech/2021/01/05/apeda-drops-halal-certification-in-red-meat-manual-says-no-govt-role-needed-for-exports.html

• A well-known boarding school in India specified Halal certified meat only in their tender. This was objected to on grounds that the tender for Halal meat is an insult to other students and community.
• In Indonesia, a Muslim body was taking steps to provide Covid vaccine with halal certificate, in their endeavour to boost immunization process in the Muslim-majority country.
• Some of Delhi’s Municipal Corporations recently mandated that meat shops and restaurants to display whether meat sold by them is ‘Halal’ or ‘Jhatka’ on grounds that that halal meat is prohibited in Hinduism and Sikhism.
• Christians in Kerala decided to boycott Halal meat and products saying they cannot consume meat offered to other gods.

https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/ahead-of-christmas-christians-in-kerala-decide-to-boycott-halal-meat-hindu-group-extends-support/695123

 I now leave some questions open to all, more specifically the non-vegetarians.

1.    How comfortable are you in eating meat where the animal has been slaughtered while reciting verses from the Quran? 

2.    While buying from meat shops or eating meat in roadside dhabas, restaurants or even five star hotels – how frequently do you ask if the meat is Halal or Jhatka? 

3.    Have you ever checked if there is a Halal certificate on any of the products you buy?

4.    What is the quality certification given for Jhatka meat?

5.     Should Halal certification apply to vegetarian eatables, cosmetics, packaging etc.

(* The following paragraph was removed from the manual, “The animals are slaughtered by halal system under strict vigilance of (a) recognised and registered Islamic body as per the tenets of Islamic Shariyat. The certificate for halal is issued by the representative of registered Islamic body under whose supervision the slaughter is conducted in order to meet the requirement of (the) importing country.”)

Previous : Halal Certification