MAINS Current Affairs includes Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025 & Empowering Women Farmers in Agriculture

POLITY

1. Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025

Context: The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) examining the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025 has deferred the adoption of its draft report after completing voting on two of its five recommendations.

The Bill seeks to introduce constitutional provisions for the removal of the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and Ministers from office if they remain in custody for serious criminal offences for a specified period.

About the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025

The Bill aims to strengthen ethical governance, accountability and public confidence in the political system by preventing individuals facing prolonged detention for serious criminal offences from continuing in high constitutional offices.

It seeks to ensure that persons occupying executive offices maintain the highest standards of integrity while balancing the principles of democratic governance.

The proposed amendment would apply to:

• Union Government
• State Governments
• National Capital Territory of Delhi

Separate Bills have also been introduced to extend similar provisions to Puducherry and Jammu & Kashmir.

Grounds for Removal

The Bill proposes that a Minister can be removed from office if both the following conditions are fulfilled:

• The Minister has been charged with an offence punishable with imprisonment of five years or more; and
• The Minister remains arrested and in judicial custody for 30 consecutive days.

Thus, mere registration of an FIR is not sufficient; the offence must be serious and prolonged detention must continue for at least one month.

Procedure for Removal

• For Union Ministers
• The President may remove a Union Minister on the advice of the Prime Minister.
• If no action is taken by the end of the 30th day of detention, the Minister shall be deemed to have vacated office automatically on the 31st day.
  • For State Ministers
• Similarly, the Governor may remove a State Minister on the advice of the Chief Minister.
• If no formal order is issued, the Minister automatically ceases to hold office after the prescribed period of detention.
  • Prime Minister and Chief Ministers
• The Bill also covers the offices of the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers.
• If either remains under detention for 30 consecutive days, they are required to resign.
• If they fail to resign voluntarily, they automatically cease to hold office from the 31st day.

Objectives of the Bill

Promote Clean Politics

• The Bill seeks to ensure that persons facing serious criminal proceedings do not continue to occupy high executive offices.
• It attempts to strengthen public trust in democratic institutions by improving political accountability.

Enhance Ethical Governance

• The amendment aims to establish higher standards of integrity and transparency among constitutional functionaries.
• It reinforces the principle that holders of public office must maintain public confidence.

Improve Accountability

• By prescribing consequences for prolonged detention, the Bill attempts to increase accountability among political executives while strengthening citizens’ faith in governance.

Constitutional and Legal Concerns

1. Violation of Presumption of Innocence

• One of the strongest objections to the Bill is that it allows removal before conviction.
• Under criminal jurisprudence, every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
• Arrest or detention is merely a part of the investigation process and does not establish guilt.
• Automatic removal before conviction may therefore violate this fundamental principle.

2. Possible Violation of Article 21

• Article 21 guarantees that no person shall be deprived of life or personal liberty except according to the procedure established by law.
• Critics argue that removing elected representatives solely on the basis of detention, without judicial determination of guilt, may violate the guarantee of due process and fairness under Article 21.

3. Threat of Misuse by Investigative Agencies

• The Bill creates concerns that investigative agencies could indirectly influence governments.
• If political leaders are arrested and kept in custody for thirty days, they may automatically lose office irrespective of the eventual outcome of the trial.
• This raises fears of politically motivated arrests affecting democratically elected governments.

4. Separation of Powers

• The Constitution envisages that Ministers remain accountable to the Legislature rather than investigative agencies.
• Automatic removal based on detention may shift political accountability from elected legislatures to executive agencies.
• Such an arrangement could disturb the constitutional balance among different organs of the State.

5. Impact on Parliamentary Democracy

• Under the parliamentary system, the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers remain in office as long as they enjoy the confidence of the Legislature.
• The Bill introduces an additional ground for removal outside legislative confidence.
• Critics argue that this may alter the basic structure of parliamentary democracy.

6. Federalism Concerns

• The proposal may also affect India’s federal structure.
• For example, investigative agencies under the Union Government could arrest State leaders, thereby affecting the functioning of State Governments.
• Similarly, State agencies could create political complications for Union leaders.
• This may disturb the balance between the Union and the States.

7. Rule of Law Concerns

• An arrest merely establishes suspicion and facilitates investigation.
• Courts examining bail or remand applications do not determine guilt.
• Therefore, removal from constitutional office before completion of judicial proceedings may be arbitrary and inconsistent with the Rule of Law.

Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) Recommendations

Replace Removal with Suspension

• The JPC has suggested replacing the provision of automatic removal with temporary suspension.
• This would allow constitutional functionaries to remain suspended until legal proceedings are completed.
• Such an approach balances accountability with the presumption of innocence.

Automatic Restoration

• The Committee has recommended that if the person is subsequently acquitted or prosecution fails to proceed within a specified period, the suspension should automatically be revoked.
• This protects innocent individuals from permanent political damage.

Clearly Define Serious Criminal Offences

• The Committee has recommended that only offences punishable with five years or more of imprisonment should attract these provisions.
• A clear statutory definition would prevent arbitrary interpretation and misuse.

Significance of the Bill

• Promotes higher ethical standards in public life.
• Attempts to strengthen transparency and accountability in governance.
• Enhances public confidence in constitutional offices.
• Discourages individuals facing serious criminal allegations from continuing in executive positions.
• Reinforces the principle of clean politics.

Challenges

• May violate the principle of presumption of innocence.
• Raises concerns regarding Article 21 and procedural fairness.
• Creates the possibility of politically motivated arrests.
• May weaken parliamentary democracy by allowing removal without loss of legislative confidence.
• Can disturb the balance of federalism.
• May undermine the independence of elected governments.

Way Forward

India requires a balanced legal framework that promotes clean politics while safeguarding constitutional principles and democratic values.

Instead of automatic removal solely on the basis of arrest, greater emphasis should be placed on speedy investigation, fast-track trials of elected representatives, judicial oversight, transparency in criminal proceedings, and stronger institutional accountability.

A suspension-based mechanism with safeguards against misuse, as suggested by the Joint Parliamentary Committee, may better balance ethical governance, due process, the presumption of innocence, and democratic accountability.

ECONOMY

1. Empowering Women Farmers in Agriculture

Context: Maharashtra has become the first state in India to enact a dedicated legislation for women farmers through the Maharashtra Women Farmers Empowerment Act, 2026.

The Act seeks to correct the historical neglect of women’s contribution to agriculture by recognizing them as independent farmers and improving their access to government schemes, institutional credit, insurance, technology, extension services and markets, irrespective of land ownership.

The legislation marks a significant step towards achieving gender equality, inclusive agricultural growth and women-led rural development.

Maharashtra Women Farmers Empowerment Act, 2026

• The Act is India’s first comprehensive legal framework exclusively focused on the rights and empowerment of women farmers.
• It recognizes that millions of women actively participate in agriculture but remain excluded from formal recognition because they do not possess land titles.
• The Act seeks to bridge this gap by providing legal identity and institutional support to women engaged in agriculture and allied activities.

Objectives of the Act

The primary objectives of the Act are:

• To legally recognize women as farmers.
• To improve access to government welfare schemes.
• To enhance access to institutional credit and crop insurance.
• To facilitate agricultural extension services and modern technologies.
• To improve market access and financial inclusion.
• To strengthen women’s participation in agricultural decision-making.

Broad Definition of “Farmer”

One of the most progressive features of the Act is its broad definition of a farmer.

Instead of restricting the definition to landowners, it recognizes women engaged in various agricultural and allied activities, whether as landowners, tenants or agricultural labourers.

The definition includes women involved in:

• Crop cultivation;
• Animal husbandry;
• Dairy farming;
• Poultry;
• Fisheries;
• Agroforestry;
• Mushroom cultivation;
• Vermiculture; and
• Primary processing of agricultural produce.

This inclusive definition acknowledges the diverse roles women play across the agricultural value chain.

Woman Farmer Certificate (WFC)

The most significant provision of the Act is the introduction of the Woman Farmer Certificate (WFC).

The certificate formally recognizes women as farmers even if they do not own agricultural land.

This legal recognition enables women farmers to access:

• Government welfare schemes;
• Institutional credit;
• Crop insurance;
• Agricultural subsidies;
• Training programmes;
• Extension services; and
• Other institutional benefits.

The WFC addresses one of the biggest barriers faced by women farmers—the absence of land ownership.

Institutional Framework

The Act establishes a comprehensive institutional mechanism for effective implementation.

Key provisions include:

• A Digital Registry of Women Farmers to maintain verified records.
• A Dedicated Women Farmers Empowerment Fund to support welfare and development programmes.
• Implementation mechanisms at the State, District and Sub-District levels.
• A State-Level Monitoring Committee headed by the Chief Secretary.
• A Governing Council under the Chief Minister to oversee implementation and policy direction.

These mechanisms aim to ensure effective coordination, monitoring and accountability.

Women in Indian Agriculture

Women constitute one of the most important pillars of India’s agricultural economy.

Agriculture remains the primary source of livelihood for a large proportion of rural women.

According to available estimates:

• Around 80% of rural women are engaged in agriculture and allied sectors.
• Approximately 33% work as agricultural labourers.
• Nearly 48% are self-employed farmers.

Women actively participate throughout the agricultural value chain, including:

• Crop production;
• Dairy farming;
• Livestock management;
• Fisheries;
• Horticulture;
• Agroforestry;
• Seed preservation;
• Post-harvest processing;
• Packaging; and
• Marketing of agricultural products.

Despite their extensive contribution, women continue to receive limited recognition and institutional support.

Importance of Women Farmers

1. Backbone of Rural Agriculture

• Women play a central role in sowing, transplanting, weeding, harvesting, storage and post-harvest management.
• Their labour significantly contributes to agricultural productivity and food security.
• As male migration to urban areas increases, women are increasingly becoming the primary cultivators of agricultural land.

2. Pillars of Animal Husbandry

Women are the principal workforce in:

• Dairy farming;
• Poultry;
• Goat rearing;
• Sheep farming; and
• Small livestock management.

These activities provide regular income to rural households and improve livelihood security.

Women therefore play a vital role in strengthening India’s livestock economy.

3. Custodians of Agro-Biodiversity

Women possess rich traditional knowledge related to:

• Indigenous seeds;
• Crop diversity;
• Soil conservation;
• Medicinal plants; and
• Sustainable farming practices.

They play an important role in conserving biodiversity and promoting climate-resilient agriculture.

4. Drivers of Post-Harvest Processing

Women contribute significantly to value addition through:

• Food processing;
• Spice grinding;
• Mushroom cultivation;
• Packaging;
• Preservation; and
• Local marketing.

Women-led cooperatives help reduce post-harvest losses while increasing farmers’ incomes through value-added agricultural products.

Major Challenges Faced by Women Farmers

1. Lack of Land Ownership

• One of the biggest challenges is the absence of land ownership.
• Most agricultural land is registered in the names of male family members.
• As a result, women are often treated merely as “helpers” rather than independent farmers.

Without legal land ownership, they face difficulties in accessing:

• Institutional credit;
• Crop insurance;
• Kisan Credit Cards;
• Government subsidies; and
• Direct Benefit Transfers (DBTs).

2. High Physical Drudgery

• Most agricultural tools and machinery are designed keeping male workers in mind.
• Women often use traditional and heavy implements that increase physical strain and reduce productivity.
• Limited access to mechanisation also affects their health and efficiency.

3. Limited Access to Modern Technology

Women farmers often have inadequate access to:

• High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds;
• Climate-smart agriculture;
• Digital technologies;
• Precision farming; and
• Agricultural extension services.

This reduces productivity and limits their ability to adopt modern farming techniques.

4. Climate Vulnerability

• Climate change disproportionately affects women farmers.
• During droughts, floods and water scarcity, women spend additional time collecting water and fodder while simultaneously managing household responsibilities.
• This increases their workload and reduces the time available for productive farming activities.

5. Limited Financial Inclusion

Women continue to face barriers in accessing formal financial institutions due to:

• Lack of collateral;
• Low financial literacy;
• Social norms; and
• Limited awareness of government schemes.

Consequently, many remain dependent on informal credit sources.

Government Initiatives for Women Farmers

Integrated Scheme for Agricultural Marketing (ISAM)

Under the Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI) component of ISAM:

• Women farmers,
• SC/ST beneficiaries,
• Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and
• Farmers in North-Eastern and hilly regions

receive a 33.33% subsidy for constructing and modernising warehouses and godowns.

Farmers in plain areas receive a 25% subsidy.

Namo Drone Didi Scheme

Launched for the period 2023–2026, the Namo Drone Didi Scheme aims to provide 15,000 drones to Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

The scheme provides:

• 80% financial assistance (up to ₹8 lakh) for drone purchase.
• Training for drone pilots and assistants.
• Promotion of drone-based agricultural services.

The initiative enhances agricultural mechanisation while creating new livelihood opportunities for rural women.

Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM)

SMAM provides 50% financial assistance (up to ₹5 lakh) for drone purchases by:

• Women farmers;
• Small and marginal farmers;
• SC/ST farmers; and
• Farmers from North-Eastern States.

The scheme promotes technology adoption and precision agriculture.

National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM)

NBHM promotes:

• Scientific beekeeping;
• Honey production;
• Pollination services; and
• Rural entrepreneurship.

Women entrepreneurs benefit through income generation and diversification of livelihoods.

DAY-NRLM

The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM) empowers women through:

• Self-Help Groups (SHGs);
• Skill development;
• Enterprise promotion; and
• Agriculture-based livelihoods.

It has become one of India’s largest women’s empowerment programmes.

Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS)

MISS provides short-term crop loans through Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) at a subsidised interest rate.

The scheme improves women’s access to affordable agricultural finance.

Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)

MIDH supports women engaged in:

• Fruit cultivation;
• Vegetable farming;
• Floriculture;
• Spice cultivation; and
• Post-harvest management.

The mission promotes diversification and value addition in horticulture.

Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses

Launched with an outlay of ₹11,440 crore (2025–2031), the mission seeks to increase production of:

• Tur,
• Urad, and

Women pulse growers benefit through improved seeds, post-harvest infrastructure and assured procurement.

PM-KISAN

• PM-KISAN provides ₹6,000 annually through Direct Benefit Transfer to eligible landholding farmer families.
• Women landowners registered under the scheme receive direct financial assistance.

Krishi Sakhi Programme

The Krishi Sakhi Programme trains women farmers in:

• Crop insurance;
• Agricultural practices;
• Financial literacy; and
• Awareness regarding government schemes.

It aims to improve women’s participation in modern agriculture.

Significance of the Maharashtra Act

The Maharashtra Women Farmers Empowerment Act is expected to bring transformative changes in Indian agriculture.

The Act:

• Provides legal recognition to women farmers.
• Expands access to institutional finance and welfare schemes.
• Improves women’s economic independence.
• Strengthens financial inclusion.
• Promotes gender equality in agriculture.
• Encourages women-led agricultural entrepreneurship.
• Serves as a model legislation for other States.

Way Forward

• Legal recognition of women farmers must be accompanied by greater ownership rights over land, improved access to institutional credit and gender-sensitive agricultural policies.
• Governments should promote women-friendly farm machinery, strengthen digital literacy, enhance climate-resilient agricultural practices and expand skill development programmes.
• Women’s participation in Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), cooperatives and agricultural value chains should be actively encouraged.
• Greater investment in research, extension services and women-centric agricultural technologies will improve productivity while reducing physical drudgery.
• Finally, other States should consider adopting legislation similar to Maharashtra’s to ensure that women farmers across India receive equal recognition, opportunities and institutional support.

Conclusion

Women are the backbone of Indian agriculture, contributing significantly across farming, livestock, fisheries and post-harvest activities. Yet, they continue to face structural barriers arising from lack of land ownership, limited access to credit, technology and institutional support.

The Maharashtra Women Farmers Empowerment Act, 2026 marks a historic shift towards recognising women as independent farmers rather than merely agricultural workers. If effectively implemented and replicated across the country, it can significantly advance gender equality, agricultural productivity, rural livelihoods and inclusive economic growth, contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.

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