In the absence of whole-hearted steps to implement the provisions effectively, the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005 is falling short of expectations.  The Delhi High Court ruled recently that a woman can also be held liable under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005. This the court did on the basis of the interpretation that ‘relatives' included not only male but also female members of...

A UNESCO dossier examines the problems faced by the original tribal inhabitants of the Andaman islands. SINCE the 1780s, a variety of players have vied for space in the Andaman archipelago. Today, apart from the three wings of the country's armed forces, others including rice farmers, timber merchants and academics are trying to push out its original inhabitants from their traditional habitats. For the first time in the past 150 years,...

Over 9000 child labourers throughout 11 district headquarters of Nagaland work in various sectors for about 16 hours a day without proper accommodation, food and education. According to a survey conducted by the Nagaland government’s Labour Department, the report was revealed by Joint Labour Commissioner of Nagaland Er Nungshiyanger Aier during a programme held at Dimapur to mark the ‘World Day against Child Labour’ yesterday. He greeted the youth volunteers for taking...

Preferential admission to higher education after serving in a rural place also the reason A medical practitioner's decision to join service in rural and remote areas is widely influenced by geographical affinities and familial associations. Preferential admission to higher education after serving in a rural place was also cited as a reason though by few doctors. According to a qualitative research on ‘Factors Influencing Decisions of Doctors to Serve in Rural...

Meet calls for end to displacement caused by developmental projects The government's “pro-corporate policies” came under attack at a two-day national convention on tribal rights that concluded here with participants calling for an end to displacement due to developmental projects. In a resolution, the participants said that many States, including Andhra Pradesh and Orissa, were not implementing the Scheduled Tribes and Other Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 as...