Content
- Janjatiya Gaurav Divas
- Government notifies DPDP Rules to empower citizens and protect privacy
Janjatiya Gaurav Divas
Why in News?
- November 15 is observed as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas annually to honour Birsa Munda, whose 150th birth anniversary is being commemorated in 2024–25 as Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh.
- Ministry of Tribal Affairs is conducting nationwide programmes (1–15 Nov) and establishing 11 Tribal Freedom Fighters’ Museums.
- Recently inaugurated: Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Memorial & Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum (Raipur) by PM on 1 Nov.
Relevance :
GS1 – Modern Indian History
- Tribal revolts: Ulgulan, Bhumkal, Halba, Santhal, Bhil, Koya.
- Corrective historiography and underrepresented tribal narratives.
GS1 – Indian Society
- Tribal identity, culture, customs, language preservation.
- Role of museums in cultural mainstreaming.
GS2 – Governance
- Tribal policy ecosystem: PM-JANMAN, EMRS, Digital Tribal Mission.
- Constitutional safeguards (Articles 46, 244, 275, 339, 342).
- Institutional capacity-building through Tribal Research Institutes.
Basics
- Announced in 2021 to recognise India’s tribal contribution to freedom struggle and cultural heritage.
- Aligns with Constitutional commitments under Articles 46, 244, 275, 339, 342.
- Celebrated on Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary (15 Nov 1874).
Birsa Munda – Quick Facts
- Led Ulgulan (1899–1900) for Munda self-rule and protection of Khuntkatti land rights.
- Revered as Dharti Aaba (Father of Earth).
- Died at age 25 in Ranchi Jail.
- Central figure in anti-colonial tribal assertion.
Significance of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas
- Corrective historiography: tribal resistance movements were historically underrepresented.
- Cultural mainstreaming: connects tribal identity, language, arts to national consciousness.
- Institutional recognition: 11 museums create permanent archives of tribal movements.
- Policy relevance: aligns with PM-JANMAN, EMRS expansion, Digital Tribal Mission.
Tribal Freedom Fighters’ Museum Initiative
- Goal: Document and exhibit tribal uprisings, culture, leaders, knowledge systems.
- Funding mechanism: Support to Tribal Research Institutes scheme.
- 11 Museums – Key Data
- Total approved cost: ~₹600+ crore
- Largest project: Rajpipla, Gujarat (₹257.94 crore)
- Four museums inaugurated: Raipur, Ranchi, Chhindwara, Jabalpur
Key Museums & Freedom Fighters
A. Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Memorial, Raipur
- Inaugurated: 1 Nov 2025.
- Cost: ₹53.13 crore (₹42.47 crore central share).
- Features: 650 sculptures, 16 galleries, AI-based displays, RFID screens.
- Covers major tribal uprisings:
- Halba, Sarguja, Bhopalpattanam, Paralkot, Tarapur, Meria, Koi, Lingagiri, Muria, Bhumkal (1910).
- Narayan Singh: Broke British grain stores (1856 famine), executed 10 Dec 1857.
B. Birsa Munda Museum, Ranchi
- Inaugurated: Nov 15, 2021.
- Focus: Ulgulan, Khuntkatti rights, anti-missionary movements.
- Highlights Munda socio-political systems and Birsa’s vision.
C. Badal Bhoi Museum, Chhindwara
- Inaugurated: Nov 15, 2024.
- Led 1923 protests; arrested repeatedly; died in custody (suspected poisoning, 1940).
D. Raja Shankar Shah & Kunwar Raghunath Shah Museum, Jabalpur
- Inaugurated: Nov 2024.
- Gond royals who resisted British during 1857.
- Used poetry as political resistance; executed 18 Sept 1858.
Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh (Fortnight 1–15 Nov) Activities
- J&K: PM JANMAN workshops, digital literacy for ashram schools.
- Meghalaya: Cultural festival, floral tributes at Shillong.
- Rajasthan: EMRS-wide painting/essay competitions.
- AP: Cultural festival marking Birsa Munda’s 150th anniversary.
- Sikkim: Tribal language teachers’ workshop; youth sports events.
- Manipur: Cleanliness drives, tributes at Rani Gaidinliu market.
- Odisha: Birsa pavilion, photo exhibitions (80 photographs).
- Gujarat: National symposium at Ekta Nagar (600+ scholars).
Other Government Initiatives for Tribal Heritage
Digital & Linguistic Preservation
- Adi Sanskriti:
- 100 courses; 5,000+ documents on tribal arts.
- Adi Vaani:
- Real-time text/speech translation; Mundari, Gondi, Bhili, Santhali, Kui, Garo.
- Digital Document Repository:
- Central archive for tribal research.
Language & Oral Tradition
- Varnamala initiative: local rhymes, stories in tribal languages.
- Documentation of oral traditions: folklore, folktales, songs.
Knowledge Systems & Research
- Studies on:
- Indigenous healing, medicinal plants, Adivasi agriculture, painting, dance.
- Support for literary festivals & tribal authors.
Cultural Promotion
- Aadi Mahotsav: flagship national tribal festival.
- Craft Melas & Cultural Events: dance festivals, painting workshops.
Critical Analysis
A. Governance Perspective
- Strengthens cultural federalism.
- Reinforces Article 51A(f) (value and preserve rich heritage).
- Museum network = long-term institutional memory.
B. Tribal Empowerment
- Elevates social identity, combats invisibilisation.
- Encourages youth connect via digital tools & museums.
- Supports NEP 2020 linguistic goals.
C. Historical Justice
- Recognises revolts like:
- Santhal (1855), Khond resistance, Koya, Bhil, Munda movements.
- Corrects colonial-centric narratives.
D. Challenges
- Need for accurate anthropological documentation.
- Museum upkeep, community participation.
- Digital divide in tribal areas.
Conclusion
Janjatiya Gaurav Divas institutionalises the legacy of India’s tribal freedom fighters and embeds their narratives within national history. Through 11 museums, digital projects like Adi Sanskriti & Adi Vaani, and nationwide cultural mobilisation during Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, India advances an inclusive vision of heritage aligned with Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.
Government notifies DPDP Rules to empower citizens and protect privacy
Why in News?
- Government has notified the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025, completing operationalisation of the DPDP Act, 2023.
- Establishes India’s first comprehensive digital personal data protection regime, combining citizen rights with innovation-friendly compliance.
Relevance :
GS2 – Governance, Transparency & Accountability
- Digital rights, privacy protection, citizen-centric governance.
- Regulatory frameworks, grievance redressal through Digital Data Protection Board.
- Stakeholder consultations as part of cooperative governance.
GS2 – Polity
- Operationalising fundamental right to privacy (Puttaswamy 2017).
- Legislative–executive interplay in rule-making.
GS2 – Social Justice
- Special safeguards for children and persons with disabilities.
- Digital inclusion and accessible consent frameworks.
DPDP Act, 2023 – Core Features
- Passed on 11 August 2023; applies to digital personal data processed in India.
- Based on SARAL design (Simple, Accessible, Rational, Actionable).
- Defines:
- Data Principal – individual
- Data Fiduciary – entity determining how data is processed
- Consent Manager – entity enabling permission management
Seven Core Principles
- Consent and transparency
- Purpose limitation
- Data minimisation
- Accuracy
- Storage limitation
- Security safeguards
- Accountability
Inclusive and Consultative Rule-Making
- Draft Rules issued for public comments.
- Consultations across Delhi, Mumbai, Guwahati, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai.
- Inputs taken from startups, MSMEs, industry bodies, civil society, and government departments.
- Ensures legitimacy, stakeholder buy-in and smoother implementation.
Phased and Practical Implementation
- 18-month compliance timeline for organisations.
- Prevents regulatory shock and supports legacy transitions.
- Consent notices:
- Must be standalone, purpose-specific, simple, and plain language.
- Consent Managers must be Indian-incorporated companies → ensures jurisdictional control.
Personal Data Breach Protocols
- Mandatory, prompt notification to affected individuals.
- Notification must:
- Be in plain language
- Explain nature & consequences
- Detail remedial steps
- Provide assistance contact points
- Ensures early risk mitigation and trust.
Safeguards for Children & Persons with Disabilities
- Verifiable consent required for children’s data.
- Limited exemptions: education, healthcare, real-time safety.
- For persons with disabilities lacking legal capacity, consent via lawful guardian.
- Aligns with UNCRC and rights-based frameworks.
Transparency & Accountability Requirements
- Data Fiduciaries must display clear contact information:
- Designated officer / Data Protection Officer.
- Significant Data Fiduciaries (SDFs):
- Independent audits
- Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIA)
- Technology due diligence
- Adherence to government restrictions (including selective localisation)
- Ensures risk-proportionate regulation.
Strengthening Rights of Data Principals
- Rights include:
- Access
- Correction
- Updating
- Erasure
- Nomination for rights after death/incapacity
- Mandatory response window: within 90 days.
- Establishes robust digital civil rights framework.
Digital-First Data Protection Board
- Fully digital operations:
- Online filing
- Tracking through portal + mobile app
- Decisions appealable before TDSAT.
- Aims to reduce friction and ensure low-cost grievance redressal.
Balancing Privacy with Innovation
- Technology-neutral framework → future-proofing.
- Compliance reliefs for startups and MSMEs.
- Promotes secure digital economy growth.
- Prioritises innovation while maintaining essential safeguards.
Critical Analysis
A. Governance Perspective
- Establishes a rights-based digital governance model.
- Strengthens rule of law in data processing.
- Boosts India’s global digital credibility (e.g., G20 Data Governance Principles).
B. Economic & Innovation Impact
- Predictable regulatory environment attracts:
- Cloud services
- Health-tech
- FinTech
- AI/ML companies
- Clarity on breach protocols reduces long-term systemic risks.
C. Privacy & Fundamental Rights
- Operationalises Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (2017) judgment recognising privacy as a fundamental right.
- Provides enforceable citizen rights.
D. Challenges
- Capacity constraints among small enterprises.
- Technological readiness for audits and DPIAs.
- Large-scale citizen awareness required.
- Need for clarity on cross-border data flows.
Conclusion
The DPDP Rules, 2025 operationalise India’s first full-fledged digital personal data protection regime, creating a balanced, citizen-centric framework. With phased implementation, strong transparency obligations, special safeguards for vulnerable groups, and a digital-first Data Protection Board, the model aims to embed privacy protection into India’s rapidly expanding digital economy while supporting innovation and global competitiveness.
