No union, but Centre ready to ease living of gay couples (GS Paper 2, Polity and Governance)
Why in news?
- Recently, the Union government informed the Supreme Court that it was willing to form a committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary to consider administrative measures for addressing “genuine, human concerns” faced by same-sex couples in their daily lives in areas such as banking and insurance, without delving into their petitions for legal recognition of same-sex marriage.
- The Constitution Bench led by Chief Justice of India termed the government’s stand a “step forward” and even a “big, big positive” towards achieving wider social acceptance of the right of same-sex couples to cohabit.
Reaction by the Supreme Court:
- The Chief Justice said it could now go into whether same-sex couples have a “right to cohabit together in a normal, peaceable environment in our country without facing any form of discrimination, societal or otherwise”.
- It said the suggestion from the government to form a committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary indicates its readiness to recognise the incidence of cohabitory relationships among same-sex couples.
- The Centre’s offer of a forum to address the day-to-day human concerns of the same-sex community would ensure that the petitioners’ movement does not hit a wall, even if they may fail in their endeavour in court.
Views of SC bench:
- Justice S. Ravindra Bhat asked the petitioners to consider the government’s proposal as a “building block” for future changes.
- Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul reasoned that even if the petitioners were to get a judicial declaration from the court legally recognising same-sex marriage, there would be “many, many changes required in administrative and legislative aspects”. Whether the court recognises same-sex marriage or not, these human concerns have to be addressed.
- The government, though reluctant to give same-sex relationships the status of marriage, is not reluctant to sort out the human concerns arising out of them, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul said.
- Justice Hima Kohli said the petitioners should not go for an “all-or-none approach” and finally reach a dead end.
Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) granted Navratna Status
(GS Paper 3, Economy)
Why in news?
- Recently, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a Central Public Sector Enterprises of Ministry of Railways, has been granted Navratna Status.
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About RVNL:
- RVNL was incorporated as PSU on 24th January, 2003, with the twin objectives of implementation of projects relating to creation and augmentation of capacities of rail infrastructure on fast track basis and raising of extra budgetary resources for SPV projects.
- The company began its operation in 2005 with the appointment of Board of Directors.
- The company was granted Mini-Ratna status in September 2013. The authorized share capital of the company is Rs. 3000 Crore, with paid up share capital of Rs. 2085 crore.
RVNL has been assigned the following functions:
- Undertaking project development and execution of works covering full project life cycle.
- Creating Project specific SPVs for individual works, if required.
- On completion of a Railway project by RVNL, the concerned Zonal Railway will undertake its operation and maintenance.
Way Forward:
- The grant of “Navratna” status to RVNL leads to enhanced delegation of powers, more operational freedom and financial autonomy which will give huge impetus to RVNL’s progress, particularly so, when RVNL is extending its footprints in sectors beyond Railways and even in projects abroad.
