Reporting on Human Rights from India Together.https://indiatogether.org/en-inhttps://indiatogether.org/right-city-government/https://indiatogether.org/right-city-government/Informal settlements, despite containing a majority of the people, are treated as aberrations. Forced to live outside legal sanction, the poor in our cities are vulnerable to dispossession, and condemned to a degraded quality of life, writes Prem Chandavarkar.Mon, 04 Jul 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/witch-odisha-human-rights/https://indiatogether.org/witch-odisha-human-rights/Odisha has the second highest number of reported cases of witch-hunting. Superstitious beliefs among the tribals are invariably made out to be the reason, but class and gender discrimination, as well as revenge, are often the real causes. Abhijit Mohanty reports.Sat, 18 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/dma-eda-laws/https://indiatogether.org/dma-eda-laws/The experience of women street vendors during and after the lock-downs shows there is much more India needs to do to ensure that the government's response to crises are bound by checks, and strikes a balance between different vulnerabilities that people face.Wed, 20 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/private-no-human-rights/https://indiatogether.org/private-no-human-rights/The Constitution recognises the threat of private discrimination, and prohibits it in its text. But what's the right principle to detect it? Thulasi K Raj argues for the principle of 'public service', which goes further than linguistic and other interpretations of Article 15(2).Tue, 21 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/ss-workers-poverty/https://indiatogether.org/ss-workers-poverty/There are several government schemes to assist those who've lost their livelihoods from informal jobs, but many eligible workers find it difficult to register for benefits, despite the attention of the higher judiciary. Kathyayini Chamaraj reports.Fri, 13 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/epr-pickers-human-rights/https://indiatogether.org/epr-pickers-human-rights/Waste pickers and others have long sought better terms and conditions of work, and to be heard as equals in decisions about urban waste management. The effectiveness of new extended producer responsibilities will keenly depend on these, say Nalini Shekar and Kabir Arora .Thu, 15 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/pendency-hc-human-rights/https://indiatogether.org/pendency-hc-human-rights/High Courts in India face case-loads that keep growing, and their responsibilities to oversee the functioning of lower courts are also significant. The reforms proposed to fix this have themselves been pending for long, notes the Foundation for Democratic Reforms .Thu, 25 Feb 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/universal-ss-human-rights/https://indiatogether.org/universal-ss-human-rights/The government proposes to replace a number of laws protecting the social security of workers with a single Code. But could its vast scope itself make it vulnerable to the fine print, and will workers really see the benefits? Kathyayini Chamaraj reviews the code.Mon, 09 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/holding-a-municipality-accountable-environment/https://indiatogether.org/holding-a-municipality-accountable-environment/Hasmukh Dhumadiya describes the ordeal of residents of Bakshipunch Society in Dwarka, Gujarat, and their efforts in overcoming it.Mon, 31 Jul 2017 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/popularity-vs-performance-government/https://indiatogether.org/popularity-vs-performance-government/Pradeep Baisakh analyses a recently released report by human rights activists and civil society organizations to see how the present government has performed in the three years it has been in power.Mon, 19 Jun 2017 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/the-disappeared-kashmiris-human-rights/https://indiatogether.org/the-disappeared-kashmiris-human-rights/Pushpa Achanta writes about the challenges and aspirations of people in Kashmir on Kashmiri Women’s Day of Resistance which is observed today (Feb 23rd).Thu, 23 Feb 2017 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/people-s-cinema-with-people-s-support-media/https://indiatogether.org/people-s-cinema-with-people-s-support-media/Shoma A. Chatterji writes about a film festival that lacks the glitz and glamour of stars, television cameras and paparazzi chasing famous people to freeze them for the media.Fri, 17 Feb 2017 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/a-gross-violation-of-human-rights-human-rights/https://indiatogether.org/a-gross-violation-of-human-rights-human-rights/Manhole is a scathing celluloid indictment on the state of manual sewer cleaners in India, writes Shoma A. ChatterjiFri, 20 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/saankal-strong-content-weak-movie-reviews/https://indiatogether.org/saankal-strong-content-weak-movie-reviews/Even a badly made film becomes a learning experience for the viewers because it sheds light on issues not known widely otherwise, says Shoma Chatterji as she reviews the movie Saankal.Wed, 27 Apr 2016 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/debaranjan-sarangi-another-artist-incarcerated-human-rights/https://indiatogether.org/debaranjan-sarangi-another-artist-incarcerated-human-rights/Debaranjan Sarangi, a documentary film maker, writer and human rights activist was arrested recently in Kashipur, Odisha. Shoma Chatterji writes about Sarangi's arrest, his activism and his films which deal with Adivasis and their struggles.Tue, 05 Apr 2016 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/ishrat-jahan-case-is-the-political-furore-skirting-the-core-issue-government/https://indiatogether.org/ishrat-jahan-case-is-the-political-furore-skirting-the-core-issue-government/The Ishrat Jahan case has again hit the headlines with former home minister P Chidambaram being accused of rewriting an affidavit to prove the 19-year-old’s innocence. But the legal probe into whether she was a victim of an extra-judicial killing seems forgotten. Ramesh Menon presents a recap and investigates where things stand now.Sun, 27 Mar 2016 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/easier-for-you-to-save-lives-here-s-how-society/https://indiatogether.org/easier-for-you-to-save-lives-here-s-how-society/You don’t have to fear police harassment if you report or help an injured accident victim. You don’t even have to reveal personal details unless you wish to testify. Here’s a summary of the “Good Samaritan” guidelines that the apex court has now made compulsory for states to follow.Mon, 14 Mar 2016 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/an-endless-wait-for-social-security-human-rights/https://indiatogether.org/an-endless-wait-for-social-security-human-rights/The finance minister’s dream of extending social security cover to all unorganised workers in the country is a lofty one undoubtedly, but Kathyayini Chamaraj identifies the many gaps in the existing law that need to be addressed for that dream to be realised.Wed, 17 Feb 2016 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/in-odisha-more-tribal-voices-against-mining-environment/https://indiatogether.org/in-odisha-more-tribal-voices-against-mining-environment/The Kashipur movement to protect Baphlimali in Odisha against mining companies whose operations threaten their livelihoods and ecosystems has seen merciless suppression and gross violation of human rights. Abhijit Mohanty reports.Fri, 22 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/turning-a-full-circle-human-rights/https://indiatogether.org/turning-a-full-circle-human-rights/The situation that Maheshwar Project is in, brings sharply into focus the issue of accountability of those responsible for the decisions that impact millions of people, involve thousands of crores of rupees and vast natural resources. Shripad Dharmadhikary hopes that Maheshwar would also offer a chance to demonstrate how those liable for the mess can be held accountable.Thu, 31 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/suicide-is-a-crime-but-not-murder-human-rights/https://indiatogether.org/suicide-is-a-crime-but-not-murder-human-rights/For the last 15 years, India has been unable to deal with a fasting, frail poet! Anjuman Ara Begum writes how Irom Sharmila has been waging a protest against the cruel Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, enforced in her home state of Manipur and other parts of northeast India.Thu, 05 Nov 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/the-refugee-crisis-human-rights/https://indiatogether.org/the-refugee-crisis-human-rights/As the refugee crisis deepens in Syria, visuals of millions of people hoping to catch a train to a better life fill the media space. Shalini Bhutani reflects on the state of refugee policies in the South Asian region while remembering her own father’s experience weeks before the India-Pakistan partition.Tue, 22 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/forest-rights-recognition-environment/https://indiatogether.org/forest-rights-recognition-environment/The central government is pushing state governments to give forest rights to tribals by the end of this year. Kanchi Kohli cautions that the intent behind settling these rights claims under the Forest Rights Act in such haste is not what it appears to be.Tue, 25 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/matrilineal-tribals-surviving-and-thriving-human-rights/https://indiatogether.org/matrilineal-tribals-surviving-and-thriving-human-rights/An ancient matrilineal tribe of northeast India has a thriving culture and an increasing population, while a similarly ancient Dravidian matrilineal tribe is in danger of vanishing. Linda Chhakchhuak reports on what the Dravidian tribe can learn from the northeastern tribe to revive its culture and population.Mon, 10 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/quest-for-justice-continues-in-tripura-laws/https://indiatogether.org/quest-for-justice-continues-in-tripura-laws/Tripura’s revocation of the AFSPA is certainly a positive move from a human rights perspective. But it leaves unaddressed the issue of justice for those whose lives were torn apart by the excesses under the Act, writes Anjuman Ara Begum.Thu, 04 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/dongria-kondh-securing-tribal-rights-human-rights/https://indiatogether.org/dongria-kondh-securing-tribal-rights-human-rights/The recent letter from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, urging states to recognise the habitat rights of vulnerable tribal groups under the FRA, is a welcome move. Meenal Tatpati, Rashi Misra and Subrat Kumar Nayak analyse the Dongria Kondh experience to underline what is necessary to do so effectively.Tue, 26 May 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/sex-workers-not-beggars-women/https://indiatogether.org/sex-workers-not-beggars-women/Recent incidents, where sex workers were detained by the police and subsequently forced into a state shelter for beggars, are symptomatic of the continuous harassment faced by them and a basic lack of understanding of their realities. Pushpa Achanta elaborates.Mon, 25 May 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/rejection-of-development-in-the-niyamgiri-hills-by-dongria-kondh-human-rights/https://indiatogether.org/rejection-of-development-in-the-niyamgiri-hills-by-dongria-kondh-human-rights/The 2013 rejection of the bauxite mining plan in Odisha’s Niyamgiri Hills by the local tribal gram sabhas is hailed as the first successful environmental referendum in the country. Meenal Tatpati and Rashi Misra visit the region to find out what led the people to oppose the proposed ‘development’.Thu, 14 May 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/afspa-in-arunachal-and-northeast-states-raise-questions-government/https://indiatogether.org/afspa-in-arunachal-and-northeast-states-raise-questions-government/The Centre may have rolled back its sudden unilateral decision to accord ‘disturbed area’ status to Arunachal Pradesh under the AFSPA 1958, but that does little to restore confidence and good faith between the state and the government of India. Anjuman Ara Begum analyses why.Wed, 22 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/karnataka-dalit-mahila-vedike-fighting-caste-crime-against-women-human-rights/https://indiatogether.org/karnataka-dalit-mahila-vedike-fighting-caste-crime-against-women-human-rights/Pushpa Achanta describes the unrelenting efforts of the Karnataka Dalit Mahila Vedike (KDMV) in educating members of the Dalit and Adivasi communities in the state about their legal entitlements and helping them wage battles for justice in cases involving caste atrocity and discrimination.Mon, 06 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/mathura-vrindavan-varanasi-widows-play-holi-celebrate-spring-women/https://indiatogether.org/mathura-vrindavan-varanasi-widows-play-holi-celebrate-spring-women/Widows in India have lived on the margins of society for decades but the intervention of NGO Sulabh International, led by Dr Bindeshwar Pathak, has brought new hope and colour in their lives. Ramesh Menon reports on one of the first celebrations in their new-found lives.Mon, 23 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/vikalp-sangam-champions-of-alternative-sustainable-development-op-ed/https://indiatogether.org/vikalp-sangam-champions-of-alternative-sustainable-development-op-ed/Ashish Kothari outlines the vision and processes of Vikalp Sangam, a movement that seeks to bring together a multitude of grassroots initiatives that are exploring alternative, inclusive and sustainable paths to human well-being.Wed, 11 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/book-review-of-ilina-sen-s-inside-chhattisgarh-political-memoir-reviews/https://indiatogether.org/book-review-of-ilina-sen-s-inside-chhattisgarh-political-memoir-reviews/Dr Ilina Sen’s association with Chhattisgarh and her deep, empathetic understanding of its society and culture have come lyrically alive in "Inside Chhattisgarh: A Political Memoir." Freny Manecksha reviews the book.Fri, 06 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/why-india-s-daughter-documentary-on-delhi-rape-should-not-be-banned-op-ed/https://indiatogether.org/why-india-s-daughter-documentary-on-delhi-rape-should-not-be-banned-op-ed/Tara Krishnaswamy takes a brutally honest and incisive look at Indian society to argue why far from being banned, India’s Daughter – the BBC documentary on the infamous 2012 rape and murder in a Delhi bus – should actually be made compulsory viewing for the Indian audience.Fri, 06 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/wash-summit-discusses-swachh-bharat-mission-and-sanitation-government/https://indiatogether.org/wash-summit-discusses-swachh-bharat-mission-and-sanitation-government/From the time of the PM’s speech on 15 August 2014, where he announced his commitment to a ‘Swachh Bharat’, what has changed in the WASH sector in India? Himanshu Upadhyaya shares some notes taken as a delegate at the recent India WASH Summit in the capital.Wed, 25 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/cinema-of-resistance-kolkata-people-s-film-festival-human-rights/https://indiatogether.org/cinema-of-resistance-kolkata-people-s-film-festival-human-rights/The recently held Kolkata People’s Film Festival – an offshoot of the founding movement called The Cinema of Resistance – screened several powerful documentaries and feature films portraying the struggle and resistance of the marginalised and downtrodden. Shoma Chatterji reports on this festival with a difference.Mon, 16 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/can-syriza-win-in-greece-inspire-india-and-aap-op-ed/https://indiatogether.org/can-syriza-win-in-greece-inspire-india-and-aap-op-ed/The dramatic political transformation going on in Greece, with the victory of the leftist party SYRIZA, is worth watching closely for all those in India who hope for a just, sustainable future. Ashish Kothari deliberates upon the lessons to be learnt.Mon, 02 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/supreme-court-judgment-human-rights-violations-pankaj-butalia-film-op-ed/https://indiatogether.org/supreme-court-judgment-human-rights-violations-pankaj-butalia-film-op-ed/A recent observation of the Supreme Court, while hearing a petition filed by a filmmaker challenging censorship of his documentary, has left human rights advocates in the country anguished and puzzled. Shoma A Chatterji explains why.Fri, 23 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/resistance-reconstruction-development-and-rights-of-marginalised-human-rights/https://indiatogether.org/resistance-reconstruction-development-and-rights-of-marginalised-human-rights/Will the synergies between the politics of resistance and grassroots initiatives towards reconstruction of the damages wrought by ‘development’ be reaped effectively enough in the year ahead? That is what Ashish Kothari will track in his new blog.Mon, 05 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/malnutrition-and-poverty-in-dinesh-nagar-village-of-assam-poverty/https://indiatogether.org/malnutrition-and-poverty-in-dinesh-nagar-village-of-assam-poverty/Total Sanitation Campaign, MGNREGS and other government schemes are unheard of among villagers at Dinesh Nagar, Assam who live with a perennial lack of food, pure water, and health amenities. Nilotpal Bhattacharjee wonders if they will ever find deliverance from despair.Tue, 30 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT