Prime Minister Modi’s government celebrates 100 days with comprehensive judicial reforms and disaster management initiatives

New Delhi [India]September 15 (ANI): As the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government celebrated its 100th day in office on Sunday, sources in the Union government highlighted several measures aimed at reforming the judicial system and containing disasters, among others.

The implementation of three new penal laws replacing the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973 and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 was a major reform. “The Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam came into force on July 1, 2024,” sources said.

The Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita comprises 358 sections and replaces the 511 sections of the IPC. Twenty new offences have been added and the prison sentences for 33 offences have been increased.

The Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita now comprises 531 sections, as compared to 484 in the CrPC. A total of 177 provisions have been amended, nine new sections and 39 new sub-sections have been added.

The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam now comprises 170 provisions (as compared to the original 167), with 24 provisions revised.

To improve forensic infrastructure, the Union Cabinet has sanctioned Rs 2,554 crore over five years for the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES). This scheme emphasises the role of trained forensic experts in ensuring timely and scientific examination of evidence, a crucial component of efficient criminal proceedings in an era of evolving crime methods.

On June 19, the government responded to allegations of question leaks in the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) by referring the matter to the CBI for investigation. UGC-NET determines the eligibility of candidates for research opportunities, including Junior and Senior Research Fellowships (JRF and SRF).

In response to the problems with disclosure of records, the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act was passed to ensure greater transparency, fairness and credibility in public examinations.

Furthermore, on June 26, the Lok Sabha passed a resolution condemning the state of emergency imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Reading the resolution, Speaker Om Birla said that June 25, 1975, would forever be remembered as a black chapter in India's history.

Home Minister Amit Shah noted that the day serves as a reminder of the significant sacrifices made by those who endured the hardships of the 1975 Emergency and underlines their contribution to protecting Indian democracy.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, Birla praised the courage and determination of those who opposed the regime and protected the country's democratic principles.

The government has introduced the Disaster Management Amendment Bill, 2024, which aims to strengthen national disaster management authorities and establish state disaster management forces in various states.

Rs 6,350 crore has been allocated for urban flood protection and glacial lake outburst flood risk mitigation projects. In addition, Rs 12,554 crore has been sanctioned for a range of services including fire fighting, glacial lake outburst management, flood control and other disaster mitigation measures.

Sources also highlighted the implementation of Emergency Response Support System (ERSS 2.0) in several states and union territories.

In recent weeks, states like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have witnessed heavy rains and floods in several districts. To control the situation and provide relief, a team of experts has been formed to help those affected by the disasters. (ANI)