Uttarakhand

• 28 Feb 2024

Uttarakhand Unveils Rs 89,000 Crore Budget

Why in News?

Recently, the Uttarakhand government unveiled its budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 in the Assembly.

• Uttarakhand’s economic growth rate stood at 7.63% in 2022-23, surpassing the national average.

Key Points

• Allocating Rs 89,000 crore for a range of initiatives with significant emphasis on addressing poverty, disaster management, infrastructure development, and improving air connectivity.
• The budget emphasised a dedication to the “four pillars” of a developed India– welfare of the poor, youth empowerment, agricultural initiatives, and women’s empowerment.
• Provisions made for each pillar are:
  • Rs 5,658 crore has been earmarked for the welfare of the poor, encompassing housing initiatives, food grain distribution, and free gas refill schemes.
  • The budget allocates Rs 1,679 crore towards youth welfare, technical and higher education, and organising national games.
    • Provisions have also been made for schemes promoting the merit of minority girls and fostering employment opportunities.
  • Rs 2,415 crore has been allocated for various farmer-centric schemes, including cooperative initiatives, apple cultivation, farmer pensions, and fisheries development.
  • The budget sets aside approximately Rs 14,538 crore for gender-specific initiatives.
    • These encompass schemes aimed at maternal and child welfare, and enhancing women’s economic participation.

Legal Victory for Gender Equality

Why in News?

The Uttarakhand High Court (HC) ruled that women cannot be refused employment based on pregnancy. It overturned a regulation prohibiting pregnant women from being eligible for government positions.

Key Points

• This landmark ruling was inspired by the case of Misha Upadhyay, who was denied a nursing officer position due to her pregnancy.
• The High Court invalidated the state government's regulation labeling women pregnant for 12 weeks or more as "temporarily unfit" for employment.
  • It also mandated a medical examination by a registered practitioner six weeks post-delivery, along with a fitness certificate requirement.
• The court deemed the state's action "highly discriminatory against women" and emphasized on the violation of Articles 14, 16, and 21 of the Constitution.
  • Article 14 stipulates that within India's territory, the State cannot deprive any individual of equality before the law or equal protection under the laws based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
  • Article 16 forbids discrimination in employment within any government office.
  • Article 21 stipulates that no individual shall be deprived of their life or personal liberty except in accordance with procedures established by law.
• It underscores the importance of fostering workplaces that respect and accommodate women's reproductive choices, aligning with broader global efforts towards gender equality, including the Sustainable Development Goal 5.