Daily Bulletin

The Supreme Court on October 29 dismissed appeals claiming title over 550 acres and 39 guntas of land in Miyapur, Telangana, unequivocally upholding the government as the rightful owner. A bench comprising Justice MM Sundresh and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma ruled that a jagirdar does not hold title to the land, and such lands vested in the State government upon the abolition of jagirs in 1949 under the Andhra Pradesh (Telangana Area) (Abolition of Jagirs) Regulation, 1358 Fasli. The Court further noted that revenue entries relied upon by the claimants were bogus and fraudulent, orchestrated in collusion with revenue officials, and that the Hyderabad Urban Development Authority (HUDA) had taken over the lands.

India celebrated the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on October 31, 2026, observed as 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas'. Union Home Minister Amit Shah flagged off the 'Run for Unity' in New Delhi and administered the 'Unity Pledge', highlighting Sardar Patel's achievement of unifying numerous princely states within 1,218 days post-independence. An analysis on the occasion also underscored Patel's profound contributions to shaping modern Ahmedabad, where he served as a criminal lawyer, councillor, and president of the Ahmedabad Municipal Board from 1924, instrumental in expanding the city's infrastructure, pioneering free primary education, and leading public health crisis responses.

Maharashtra has passed the Women Farmers’ Empowerment Bill, a significant legislative step that grants women independent recognition as farmers, irrespective of land ownership. This legislation aims to address structural bias against the female agricultural workforce and highlights the critical need for a comprehensive database of women farmers to ensure their equitable access to welfare schemes and support.

Elections to 28 Legislative Council seats across Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra have highlighted the unique system for electing Members of Legislative Councils (MLCs). Currently, six Indian states have bicameral legislatures, with Article 171 of the Constitution stipulating specific membership criteria. MLCs are elected through a single transferable vote system by various constituencies, including MLAs, local authorities, graduates, and teachers, with the Governor nominating the remaining members for a six-year term.

While Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are predominantly used in Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, ballot papers continue to be utilized in several other Indian elections, including those for Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, Zilla Parishads, Rajya Sabha, and Legislative Councils. A 2023 study by the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), sponsored by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, found that 53% of states conduct Gram Panchayat elections using ballot papers. The single transferable vote system, employed in Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council elections, necessitates the use of ballot papers for voters to mark their preferences.

Preparations are underway for the second phase of Census 2027, set to launch on December 1 in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, and Punjab, with approximately 34 lakh enumerators receiving training. The upcoming census will feature 40 questions, including new inquiries on caste, religion, Aadhaar access, and parents’ details, requiring longer, more sensitive interviews and digital data entry. This comprehensive exercise aims to gather detailed demographic and socio-economic information across the nation.

The Code on Social Security, 2020, consolidates nine existing central labour laws into a unified legislative framework, extending benefits such as provident fund, pension, insurance, maternity benefits, and gratuity to organised, unorganised, gig, and platform workers. This comprehensive code also includes provisions for a social security fund for gig and platform workers, gratuity for eligible fixed-term employees after one year of service, and women-centric benefits like 26 weeks of maternity leave and crèche facilities.

Vice President of India and President of the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, today addressed the 72nd Annual General Body Meeting of IIPA in New Delhi, calling for transformative reforms in public administration to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. He emphasized the need for citizen-centric governance, enhanced coordination across all administrative levels, and a balanced approach to economic growth and environmental sustainability. The Vice President urged IIPA to prepare civil servants for the evolving challenges of a rapidly transforming India.