UPSC Articles
Violence against health-care workers made punishable offence
Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Health; Governance
In News:
- The Union Cabinet has approved promulgation (put into effect) of Ordinance to amend the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 in the light of COVID-19 pandemic situation.
Key takeaways:
- The ordinance makes acts of violence against the healthcare workers as cognizable and non-bailable offences.
- Under it , there is also a provision to provide compensation for injury to healthcare service personnel or for causing damage or loss to the property.
- The investigation into the cases of attack will be completed within 30 days and judgment will be pronounced within one year.
- Accused of the attack can attract a punishment ranging from 3 months to 5 years and a fine from 50 thousand rupees to 2 lakh rupees.
- A compensation amounting to twice the market value of the damaged property will be taken from the accused if damage is done to the vehicles or clinics.
Important value additions:
Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897
- This law enables states to ban public gatherings, ask schools and large institutions to stop functioning, and issue advisories to companies to explore work-from-home models.
- It also gives the state a right to penalise media organisations spreading misinformation.
- For background and features, click here.
