VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html ‘Not targeted at India’: US envoy Sergio Gor defends Trump’s H-1B visa changes Under-construction guest house slab collapses in UP; 8 injured, several feared trapped File photo: Uddhav Thackeray, Amit Shah, Devendra Fadnavis (PTI) NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday alleged that the BJP’s so-called “Operation Tiger”—the defection of six Lok Sabha MPs from his faction to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena earlier this week—was aimed at keeping Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, a BJP member, “in check.”Thackeray accused Union home minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah of planning the defections to prevent Fadnavis from becoming a contender for the prime minister’s chair.”The MPs defected despite there being no elections. Why didn’t they join the BJP instead? I suspect this is actually ‘Operation Devendra.’ Shah might have orchestrated it to keep Fadnavis at a certain level so that he does not enter the race for the prime minister’s post, ” Thackeray said at a rally in Hingoli, a constituency represented by one of the six former Shiv Sena (UBT) members who switched sides.If the need arises tomorrow, these rebels will vote for Amit Shah for the post of prime minister,” he added.The former Maharashtra chief minister also claimed that the so-called “Operation Tiger”—a reference to the tiger symbol of the undivided Shiv Sena—was aimed at helping the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secure a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha to facilitate the passage of a delimitation bill.”They want to get the delimitation bill passed so that the entire country falls into the hands of north India. It does not matter how many farmers commit suicide, how many paper leaks take place or how many students end their lives. What they want is MPs,” Uddhav Thackeray remarked.The Shiv Sena (UBT) supremo is touring the constituencies of the six MPs who joined the Shiv Sena, a BJP ally. Deptuty chief minister Shinde’s rebellion in June 2022 split the then-undivided Shiv Sena, led to the fall of the Uddhav Thackeray government in Maharashtra, and paved the way for Shinde to serve as chief minister for the next two years.The Election Commission recognises Shinde’s faction as the official Shiv Sena.Meanwhile, Uddhav Thackeray’s remarks came a day after he found himself on the same IndiGo flight as Fadnavis, as they travelled from Mumbai to Nagpur, the chief minister’s hometown.This triggered political speculation, which the BJP played down, saying the two leaders are political rivals but are not personal enemies.(With PTI inputs)Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFadnavis, Uddhav Share Flight Amid Shiv Sena Turmoil After Six MPs Switch Sides | WatchPM Modi Meets Jonathan, World’s Oldest Living Land Animal, During Seychelles VisitAkal Takht Summons Sikh MLAs; Bhagwant Mann Calls Crucial AAP Huddle In Punjab | WatchIndian Vessels Desh Suraksha, SSL Kaveri Sail Through Hormuz; Third Takes U-TurnDMK Alliance Rocked As Vaiko’s MDMK Quits SPA After Nine Years Of Partnership | WatchClass 12 Student Sarthak Sidhant, Who Exposed CBSE Tender Procedure, Launches 1.66 Cr Record Portal’India Deserves Permanent Seat At UNSC’: Seychelles Foreign Minister Ahead Of PM Modi’s VisitFormer CM Gehlot Targets BJP Over Kanhaiya Lal Case, Says Justice Still Eludes FamilySonia Gandhi Slams Modi Govt Over Gaza, Says India’s ‘Silence And Inaction’ Cannot Be ExplainedCoaching Firing Case: Court Stays Khan Sir’s Arrest Till June 30, Hearing Ahead In Firing Case123PhotostoriesBollywood stars who follow the early dinner rule for fitness: From Anushka Sharma to Akshay Kumar5 common mistakes people make while buying diamondsFrom the ‘Mahakumbh of Tantrics’ to the sacred red water: 5 fascinating facts about Ambubachi Mela, India’s unique Menstruation FestivalEating dinner too late? Doctors warn this everyday habit could quietly affect your kidneys and metabolism10 beautiful baby boy names inspired by ancient gods and their powerful meanings7 simple ingredients to add more fibre to your rajmaIs your desk snack stash secretly affecting your blood sugar? Doctors explainInside Sunita Ahuja’s lavish Rs 16 crore home: Stunning living room, stylish bar, scenic balcony and more5 budget-friendly décor ideas for a small balcony you’ll actually want to use7 foods Indian households once made entirely from scratch123Hot PicksChinese proverb of the dayJapanese Proverb Of The DayCGPSC SI Prelims 2026FIFA world cup 2026Rams FanRam Temple DonationNigerian Proverb of the dayUS Strike on IranKetan Agarwal MurderTop TrendingK BhagyarajMumbai Local Train DeathRam Temple Donation RowFIFA World Cup 2026NFL TradeUS Iran CeasefirePriyanka GandhiSergei IvanovMK StalinMumbai Local Train News History at Kalinga Stadium! Sarvesh Kushare breaks men’s high jump national record, becomes first Indian to clear 2.30m | More sports News Smriti Mandhana reveals India’s mindset ahead of must-win Australia clash in Women’s T20 World Cup When K Bhagyaraj and Amitabh Bachchan had an argument over a scene in ‘Aakhree Raasta’, the superstar then said, ‘you know the pulse of the audience’ Sagittarius, Weekly Horoscope, June 28 to July 04, 2026: Caution is advised against rushing into impulsive decisions ‘Important to place defence minister’s address in full, proper context’: Centre on row over Op Sindoor deaths Who is the head of your family? It’s more complicated than it sounds NEW DELHI: When India’s Census officials started knocking on doors across the country, they asked dozens of questions that most people answered without much thought. How many people live here? What is your occupation? What is your highest level of education?Then comes a question which often makes families pause and think about the answer.Who is the head of the household?The question means different things to different people.For some families, the answer comes instinctively: the father or the grandfather (in joint families). For others, it is the eldest grandparent, even if they no longer work or make household decisions. In many homes, everyone looks at each other before naming someone. Increasingly, there are households where the woman earns the most, manages the finances, raises the children and takes every major decision—yet the family may still identify the husband or an elderly father as the “head.”The awkward silence surrounding this seemingly simple question has resurfaced as India undergoes a survey for the upcoming Census. Many citizens have questioned why such a category still exists, particularly when there is no clear understanding of who actually qualifies as the “head” of a family.The confusion is understandable. The Census website defines the “head of household” as “The person recognized by the family as the head, who manages household affairs and makes important decisions. The head of the household need not necessarily be the eldest male member, but can be of any gender or a younger member normally residing in the household.”The definition attempts to move beyond the traditional image of the patriarch. Yet, experts argue that in practice, the question still carries decades of social baggage. While legally meaningless, it continues to reflect—and sometimes reinforce—deeply embedded ideas about authority inside Indian homes.We reached out to the Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner to understand what was the definition and purpose of this question in the survey. We are still awaiting a response and will update the story accordingly.The larger question, therefore, is not simply who the head of the household is? It is whether the idea itself still makes sense. The invisible weight of a simple questionIf the category has no legal standing, why does it continue to generate debate? Because, sociologists argue, the phrase “head of the household” is far from neutral.”The HoH is a socially existing category which has found its way into statistical exercises, primarily to identify the person who is considered capable of answering questions about the socio-economic status of a household,” said Aardra Surendran, sociologist and teacher at IIT Hyderabad.”As such, therefore, it is not a sociological category, but a patriarchally inflected common sensical term denoting conventional power dynamics within family units.”That distinction is important.The census may only intend to identify someone who can answer questions accurately. But the language it uses inevitably draws upon social norms that have historically privileged men as household decision-makers.”Academic research, particularly feminist academic research, has questioned the assumptions inherent in this kind of framing of the household,” said Surendran.If all information about a family is routed through one designated individual, important aspects of household life may never be captured accurately.”It has also pointed to the fact that even the basic purpose of data collection may be incomplete if you ask all questions to only the head of the household – as this person may not have a comprehensive understanding of many aspects of household life, handled typically by other members of the family, mostly women.”The consequences, she notes, have been significant. “This has in the past led to underreporting of many aspects of women’s and children’s lives, including nutrition, their contributions to household survival and issues of domestic abuse and violence.”A category designed for convenience can therefore end up shaping the very data governments rely upon for policymaking.Recognition versus realityOne reason the debate still persists is that recognition inside families often differs from actual decision-making.A retired father may still be introduced as the head of the household even though his daughter-in-law manages finances, his son earns the income and his wife takes everyday decisions.Former JNU School of Social Sciences Dean Amitabh Kundu says this distinction has always existed. “The census generally goes by who is recognised as the head of the family by family members and not who is managing or is the key decision maker.”That means families often identify people based on respect, age or tradition rather than actual authority.”Sometimes, the elderly person, who is 80 years old, doesn’t have anything to do with decisions of the household. Then if the family decides that this person is the head of the household, no one can counter the question.”Only when family members themselves cannot agree should the enumerator probe further by asking who manages the household or earns the income, he said.In many ways, this reflects how Indian families function. Authority is often symbolic. Decision-making is often shared. Recognition may belong to one person while responsibility rests with another.The census simply records whichever version the family chooses to present.Families have changed. Has the question?India today looks very different from the India of previous census decades. The last Census exercise took place 15 years ago.Over the years, joint families have steadily given way to nuclear households. Women participation in the workforce has increased significantly. Multiple generations may live separately but remain financially connected. Decision-making itself has become far more collaborative.”With changing family dynamics and also large-scale male migration, leaving women in charge of agriculture and other household responsibilities, the dynamics of decision making is undergoing significant shifts, which statistical exercises need to be able to adequately account for to ensure more accurate data collection,” Surendran said.The problem is not merely that families have changed. It is that the category itself assumes households can be represented by one individual.In the Indian setup, children often support ageing parents while parents continue to occupy symbolic positions of authority.A social category, not a legal oneOne of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the Census question is that identifying someone as the head of the household somehow gives them legal recognition or authority.It does not.”There is no uniform legal definition of ‘head of family’ or ‘head of household’ under Indian law,” explains Shwetta Lohia, legal officer at Delhi department of women and child development. “The term is generally used for administrative, statistical, or welfare purposes, and its meaning depends on the context in which it is used.”Rupali Jain, Supreme Court and Delhi High Court lawyer, pointed out that Indian law only recognises a comparable concept in very specific contexts, such as ‘Karta’ of a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), which is a separate legal institution governing joint family property.Outside such limited situations, there is no overarching law that creates a universal status of “head of family.”Even census records themselves carry little legal value.”Identification in the Census is solely for statistical purposes under the Census Act, 1948. It confers no legal rights, powers, or liabilities in property, inheritance, guardianship, or family matters,” Jain said.In other words, if a person’s name appears as the head of the household in census records, it cannot by itself establish ownership, inheritance, guardianship or decision-making authority in court.The law, therefore, is surprisingly clear. The confusion lies elsewhere — in society.Does the question still have value?A single “head” may no longer exist in any meaningful sense. However, not everyone believes the category should disappear altogether.Kundu argues that while it may have limited practical use for most census analysis, it still carries value for researchers studying social structures. “I think this question is losing its relevance gradually, but if somebody wants to do some sociological research, this question gains relevance.”He points to examples where identifying who families recognise as household heads can reveal interesting demographic patterns, such as higher proportions of elderly men continuing to be identified as heads in certain states. “But if somebody wants to work on workforce data, literacy data, I don’t think this question has any meaning,” he said.In that sense, the question may have shifted from being administratively useful to becoming sociologically revealing.While it no longer tells us much about who makes decisions, it still tells us who society chooses to recognise.Can statistics reinforce social bias?The Census is often viewed as an objective exercise. Yet every survey category reflects the assumptions of their time.”It has been established that the Census and other large scale data gathering exercises may reinforce many of the biases and prejudices present in societies globally – biases in terms of categories of gender, race, ethnicity etc have been identified in many other parts of the world as well,” Surendran said, adding that scholarly research has also helped correct many such biases over time.As societies evolve, so must the questions governments ask. Otherwise, outdated categories risk preserving outdated ways of thinking.Perhaps the problem is the word “head”Interestingly, none of the experts argue that the census should stop identifying someone who can provide household information.Rather, they question whether calling that person “head” remains appropriate.Surendran suggested a simple but significant change. “Since the instrumental purpose of identifying a HoH is accurate data collection, the important corrective would be to identify the relevant member(s) of the household who are able to furnish such information, and rename the category as a relevant Point of Contact (PoC).”That shift would better reflect the actual purpose of the exercise.Instead of asking families to identify a symbolic authority figure, the Census would simply identify the person—or even persons—best equipped to answer its questions accurately.The change may appear semantic. But language shapes perception. And perception shapes data.More than a census questionPerhaps that is why this small Census entry continues to spark outsized debate.Legally, it changes nothing. Administratively, it serves a practical purpose. Sociologically, however, it opens a window into how Indians continue to understand authority, gender and family itself.For some households, naming a head is effortless. For others, it prompts discussion. For still others, it exposes an uncomfortable gap between who carries responsibility and who receives recognition.As Indian families become smaller, more egalitarian and increasingly diverse, the idea of one unquestioned household head feels less like a universal reality and more like a relic of an older social order.The Census may not be trying to preserve patriarchy. But when a question assumes that every family has a singular “head,” it inevitably carries echoes of a time when households were expected to revolve around one recognised authority.Perhaps the real question India should now be asking is not who the head of the family is. It is whether families need one at all.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorNatasha SinghPrincipal Digital Content ProducerEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFadnavis, Uddhav Share Flight Amid Shiv Sena Turmoil After Six MPs Switch Sides | WatchPM Modi Meets Jonathan, World’s Oldest Living Land Animal, During Seychelles VisitAkal Takht Summons Sikh MLAs; Bhagwant Mann Calls Crucial AAP Huddle In Punjab | WatchIndian Vessels Desh Suraksha, SSL Kaveri Sail Through Hormuz; Third Takes U-TurnDMK Alliance Rocked As Vaiko’s MDMK Quits SPA After Nine Years Of Partnership | WatchClass 12 Student Sarthak Sidhant, Who Exposed CBSE Tender Procedure, Launches 1.66 Cr Record Portal’India Deserves Permanent Seat At UNSC’: Seychelles Foreign Minister Ahead Of PM Modi’s VisitFormer CM Gehlot Targets BJP Over Kanhaiya Lal Case, Says Justice Still Eludes FamilySonia Gandhi Slams Modi Govt Over Gaza, Says India’s ‘Silence And Inaction’ Cannot Be ExplainedCoaching Firing Case: Court Stays Khan Sir’s Arrest Till June 30, Hearing Ahead In Firing Case123PhotostoriesBollywood stars who follow the early dinner rule for fitness: From Anushka Sharma to Akshay Kumar5 common mistakes people make while buying diamondsFrom the ‘Mahakumbh of Tantrics’ to the sacred red water: 5 fascinating facts about Ambubachi Mela, India’s unique Menstruation FestivalEating dinner too late? Doctors warn this everyday habit could quietly affect your kidneys and metabolism10 beautiful baby boy names inspired by ancient gods and their powerful meanings7 simple ingredients to add more fibre to your rajmaIs your desk snack stash secretly affecting your blood sugar? Doctors explainInside Sunita Ahuja’s lavish Rs 16 crore home: Stunning living room, stylish bar, scenic balcony and more5 budget-friendly décor ideas for a small balcony you’ll actually want to use7 foods Indian households once made entirely from scratch123Hot PicksChinese proverb of the dayJapanese Proverb Of The DayCGPSC SI Prelims 2026FIFA world cup 2026Rams FanRam Temple DonationNigerian Proverb of the dayUS Strike on IranKetan Agarwal MurderTop TrendingK BhagyarajMumbai Local Train DeathRam Temple Donation RowFIFA World Cup 2026NFL TradeUS Iran CeasefirePriyanka GandhiSergei IvanovMK StalinMumbai Local Train News Millie Bobby Brown recalls apologising to her ‘Stranger Things’ co-stars after finale: ‘It was a very hard time for me’ | Ketan Agarwal murder case: New twist as viral cricket stadium video puts Siya Goyal, Chetan Chaudhary back in focus Kishan Reddy also accused Congress, AIMIM of linking revision to religion NEW DELHI: Union coal minister G Kishan Reddy on Saturday accused Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy of attempting to provoke Muslims, disturb law and order and derail the Election Commission’s ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state.Addressing reporters in Hyderabad, the senior BJP leader also alleged that the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) was intimidating booth level officers (BLOs) in the city’s old quarters to obstruct household surveys, while claiming that the ruling Congress and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) were backing the party.Speaking to reporters, Kishan Reddy said, “The Congress government and the chief minister himself are trying to threaten. At a recent meeting of Muslims, (he said) if you don’t take precautions, you will lose your votes… An attempt was made to provoke Muslims. The Chief Minister himself is attempting to disturb law and order, hurt SIR process and to link it with religion.”The Union minister further alleged that Rohingya migrants and people from Pakistan and Bangladesh possessed voter identity cards, Public Distribution System ration cards and other official documents in Hyderabad, while accusing non-BJP parties of remaining silent on the issue.According to him, there were Rohingyas and instances of duplicate voting in several residential colonies in Hyderabad, and it was the Election Commission’s responsibility to address such irregularities.Kishan Reddy maintained that the SIR exercise should continue despite what he described as “false allegations” levelled by some political parties against the Election Commission.He also accused the Congress government of undermining its own officials by questioning the revision process, even though it was being carried out by state government employees.”Though the SIR is carried out by the Telangana government employees, he alleged that the CM, Congress and BRS are ‘spreading false information’ over the exercise as they do not trust the staff,” he said.Alleging interference by the AIMIM, Kishan Reddy claimed that the party was preventing BLOs from carrying out door-to-door verification in Hyderabad’s old city.”In the old city, the AIMIM is trying to threaten BLOs, saying you should not visit houses and take up survey of houses. (AIMIM says) we will give you the filled up forms, you should not remove any votes. They are into this during the last four months. Congress, BRS are fully cooperating in this,” he said.He asserted that the revision would not be conducted according to the wishes of the AIMIM and said the BJP would stand by government employees if they were threatened while carrying out the exercise.The BJP leader also accused the Congress and the BRS of seeking the AIMIM’s political support, referring to past remarks by Revanth Reddy in which, he alleged, the Chief Minister had said “Congress means Muslims and Muslims mean Congress” and described himself as “Revanth Uddin”.Questioning the Congress’ criticism of the electoral roll revision, Kishan Reddy asked why the party objected to the SIR in states such as West Bengal and Bihar but not in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, where similar exercises had also been undertaken.He further alleged that non-BJP parties were attempting to create unnecessary doubts about the Election Commission for political gain.The allegations come amid an escalating political row over the SIR exercise in Telangana. The Telangana Congress has raised concerns over the revision process, alleging that it could lead to the deletion of genuine voters from the electoral rolls.Earlier this week, chief minister Revanth Reddy instructed Congress ministers, MLAs, MPs and constituency in-charges to remain vigilant during the SIR process and warned of strict action against any party leader who failed to follow organisational instructions. He issued the directions during a video conference after reports emerged alleging the deletion of genuine voters’ names from electoral rolls.Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee president Mahesh Kumar Goud recently said the Congress would protect the voting rights of citizens and ensure that no eligible voter was disenfranchised during the exercise. He alleged that the revision process was being used to target “secular votes” and said the party was monitoring developments closely.The Congress has also urged the Election Commission to conduct the exercise transparently and without haste, arguing that no major elections are due in the state and that there is sufficient time for a comprehensive revision.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFadnavis, Uddhav Share Flight Amid Shiv Sena Turmoil After Six MPs Switch Sides | WatchPM Modi Meets Jonathan, World’s Oldest Living Land Animal, During Seychelles VisitAkal Takht Summons Sikh MLAs; Bhagwant Mann Calls Crucial AAP Huddle In Punjab | WatchIndian Vessels Desh Suraksha, SSL Kaveri Sail Through Hormuz; Third Takes U-TurnDMK Alliance Rocked As Vaiko’s MDMK Quits SPA After Nine Years Of Partnership | WatchClass 12 Student Sarthak Sidhant, Who Exposed CBSE Tender Procedure, Launches 1.66 Cr Record Portal’India Deserves Permanent Seat At UNSC’: Seychelles Foreign Minister Ahead Of PM Modi’s VisitFormer CM Gehlot Targets BJP Over Kanhaiya Lal Case, Says Justice Still Eludes FamilySonia Gandhi Slams Modi Govt Over Gaza, Says India’s ‘Silence And Inaction’ Cannot Be ExplainedCoaching Firing Case: Court Stays Khan Sir’s Arrest Till June 30, Hearing Ahead In Firing Case123PhotostoriesBollywood stars who follow the early dinner rule for fitness: From Anushka Sharma to Akshay Kumar5 common mistakes people make while buying diamondsFrom the ‘Mahakumbh of Tantrics’ to the sacred red water: 5 fascinating facts about Ambubachi Mela, India’s unique Menstruation FestivalEating dinner too late? Doctors warn this everyday habit could quietly affect your kidneys and metabolism10 beautiful baby boy names inspired by ancient gods and their powerful meanings7 simple ingredients to add more fibre to your rajmaIs your desk snack stash secretly affecting your blood sugar? Doctors explainInside Sunita Ahuja’s lavish Rs 16 crore home: Stunning living room, stylish bar, scenic balcony and more5 budget-friendly décor ideas for a small balcony you’ll actually want to use7 foods Indian households once made entirely from scratch123Hot PicksChinese proverb of the dayJapanese Proverb Of The DayCGPSC SI Prelims 2026FIFA world cup 2026Rams FanRam Temple DonationNigerian Proverb of the dayUS Strike on IranKetan Agarwal MurderTop TrendingK BhagyarajMumbai Local Train DeathRam Temple Donation RowFIFA World Cup 2026NFL TradeUS Iran CeasefirePriyanka GandhiSergei IvanovMK StalinMumbai Local Train News TS LAWCET, TS PGLCET Counselling 2026 Schedule out: Registration begins July 5; check details ‘Enola Holmes 3’ star Millie Bobby Brown calls Tom Cruise ‘dear friend’; reveals she flew his plane: ‘He’s a wonderful man’ | Scorpio, Weekly Horoscope, June 28 to July 04, 2026: Week may bring some emotional fluctuations and fatigue ​Jeff Bezos told Zohran Mamdani that if we ran Amazon like New York City runs its School system, packages delivery would take weeks; Canadian billionaire Kevin O’Leary joins the debate, says: Bezos should … UAE-India airfares drop ahead of July travel rush; Kerala routes see sharpest dip: Report From Anushka Sharma to Akshay Kumar Three wild Himalayan predators share the same turf, hunt at the same hours, and somehow never go to war: Study reveals surprising ‘menu’ differences | Libra, Weekly Horoscope, June 28 to July 04, 2026: Family time brings peace and joy ‘Let’s die together’: Karnataka man pulls out crude bombs from pocket after lover ‘refused’ to marry him; killed in explosion Maharashtra deputy CM Eknath Shinde (File photo) NEW DELHI: Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday assured strict action against those responsible after the Teachers Eligibility Test (TET) was postponed 24 hours before the examination following a suspected paper leak.He said the state government was considering invoking the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against those behind the alleged leak.Meanwhile, Bhiwandi Police detained three individuals from the Kongaon area on the Kalyan–Bhiwandi border in connection with the case. The accused have been identified as Rajeev Shah, Akash Kumar, and Dheeraj Kumar.Separately, politics intensified over the postponement, with the opposition targeting the ruling BJP, which also leads the government at the Centre, over repeated allegations of paper leaks. In May, NEET-UG was also affected by an alleged question paper leak, leading to a re-examination held on June 21.Congress MP and leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi alleged that the country’s examination system has been turned into a “system of extortion.””Another paper leak. Another exam cancelled. This time, Maharashtra’s TET. The country’s education and examination system has been turned into a system of extortion, leaving every youth in the country insecure. This is not just a paper leak, it is the theft of the youth’s future,” Rahul Gandhi posted on X.AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal accused the BJP of “stealing everywhere”, referencing the NEET-UG paper leak and the alleged misappropriation of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh – another BJP-led state.”Temples aren’t being managed. Exams can’t even be conducted under them. How will they run the country? The country is not safe in their hands, friends,” Kejriwal wrote in his post.The Maharashtra State Council of Examination (MSCE) on Saturday postponed the Maharashtra TET on the eve of the examination after a suspected question paper leak surfaced during a police investigation in Bhiwandi, according to an official statement.MSCE stated that despite implementing all necessary security measures in light of the irregularities reported during the NEET-UG examination, confidential inputs revealed that certain individuals in Bhiwandi were in possession of information related to the TET question paper.The examination was scheduled to be held at 1,028 centres across the state. A fresh date for the test will be announced later, the council added.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPM Modi Meets Jonathan, World’s Oldest Living Land Animal, During Seychelles VisitAkal Takht Summons Sikh MLAs; Bhagwant Mann Calls Crucial AAP Huddle In Punjab | WatchIndian Vessels Desh Suraksha, SSL Kaveri Sail Through Hormuz; Third Takes U-TurnDMK Alliance Rocked As Vaiko’s MDMK Quits SPA After Nine Years Of Partnership | WatchClass 12 Student Sarthak Sidhant, Who Exposed CBSE Tender Procedure, Launches 1.66 Cr Record Portal’India Deserves Permanent Seat At UNSC’: Seychelles Foreign Minister Ahead Of PM Modi’s VisitFormer CM Gehlot Targets BJP Over Kanhaiya Lal Case, Says Justice Still Eludes FamilySonia Gandhi Slams Modi Govt Over Gaza, Says India’s ‘Silence And Inaction’ Cannot Be ExplainedCoaching Firing Case: Court Stays Khan Sir’s Arrest Till June 30, Hearing Ahead In Firing CaseGiorgia Meloni Reveals ‘Million Votes In New Delhi’ Joke In New Book, Recalls 2023 India Welcome123PhotostoriesBollywood stars who follow the early dinner rule for fitness: From Anushka Sharma to Akshay Kumar5 common mistakes people make while buying diamondsFrom the ‘Mahakumbh of Tantrics’ to the sacred red water: 5 fascinating facts about Ambubachi Mela, India’s unique Menstruation FestivalEating dinner too late? 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CBIC issues clarity on how pending cases will be handled RRB NTPC UG answer key 2026 released: Direct link to download, objection details here Has Hardik Pandya secretly married girlfriend Mahieka Sharma? 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Here’s why you need to fill Air Suvidha 2.0 health form before boarding It is a familiar scene in millions of Indian households.A mild fever, a sore throat or a headache rarely prompts an immediate visit to the doctor. Instead, many people reach into a medicine drawer, ask a neighbourhood pharmacist for a familiar tablet, take a leftover antibiotic from a previous illness or rely on a friend’s recommendation. Watch Why India Is Tightening Rules On Common Cough SyrupsFor many, self-medication has become the first line of treatment rather than the last resort.The practice is so common that it has almost become part of India’s healthcare culture.But as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) rises and drug misuse becomes an increasingly serious public health challenge, experts are asking whether India can break its dependence on self-medication without making healthcare less accessible.The question has gained fresh urgency after the Centre tightened rules governing the sale of cough syrups. Earlier this month, the government removed cough syrups from the list of medicines that could be sold by certain restricted retail licence holders in smaller villages, meaning they can now be dispensed only through licensed pharmaciesWhile the new rules primarily affect rural areas, they also signal a broader push towards safer medicine use and stricter regulation of drugs that are often self-medicated. The issue is not straightforward. Responsible self-care using approved over-the-counter (OTC) medicines has long been encouraged worldwide for minor ailments. The problem begins when prescription medicines, especially antibiotics, steroids and powerful painkillers, are consumed without medical supervision, often in incorrect doses or for illnesses they cannot treat.A habit that cuts across age and incomeSelf-medication is neither a rural nor an urban phenomenon. It cuts across income groups, education levels and age categories, making it one of India’s most widespread health behaviours.The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines self-medication as the selection and use of medicines by individuals to treat self-recognised illnesses or symptoms without consulting a healthcare professional.This can include the responsible use of approved over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, but also extends to the unsupervised use of prescription drugs, reuse of old prescriptions and consumption of leftover medicines.The latest evidence suggests the practice is even more widespread than previously estimated.A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Medical Journal Armed Forces India, which analysed 66 studies involving 29,873 participants, found that the pooled prevalence of self-medication in India stood at 64.4%. In simple terms, nearly two out of every three Indians reported practising self-medication. Researchers also found notable regional differences. Northern India recorded the highest prevalence at 81.9%, although self-medication remained common across all parts of the country.Among different population groups, the highest prevalence was observed among students from non-healthcare backgrounds (86.1%), followed by healthcare students (79%) and the general population (59.7%), suggesting that education alone does not necessarily discourage self-medication.The Covid-19 pandemic further normalised the practice. During the pandemic, people became accustomed to searching symptoms online, stocking medicines at home and relying on previous prescriptions. While this improved awareness of health in some cases, it also increased unsupervised medicine use.Why do Indians self-medicate?The reasons extend well beyond convenience.Healthcare access remains uneven across much of the country. In many districts, particularly rural areas, specialist doctors are scarce and waiting times can be long. For low-income families, consultation fees, travel costs and loss of daily wages make visiting a doctor expensive even before medicines are purchased.Community pharmacies often become the first point of contact because they are nearby, inexpensive and immediately accessible.The 2025 Medical Journal Armed Forces India review found remarkably consistent reasons across dozens of studies. Most respondents considered their illness too minor to warrant a doctor’s visit.Others cited time constraints, financial limitations and previous experience with similar symptoms.Many respondents also said they had successfully used the same medicine for similar symptoms in the past, making them feel a doctor’s consultation was unnecessary.Pharmacists, old prescriptions, and advice from friends or family emerged as the most common sources of information, while fever, headache, coughs and colds were the ailments most frequently treated through self-medication. For minor illnesses, many patients believe they already know what treatment works.Unfortunately, symptoms that appear similar can have entirely different causes.A sore throat may be viral or bacterial. A fever may indicate anything from influenza to dengue. A headache could simply be stress—or something much more serious.Without proper diagnosis, medicines may relieve symptoms temporarily while delaying treatment of the underlying illness.Researchers warn that self-diagnosis can also result in incorrect drug selection, inappropriate dosages or unnecessarily prolonged treatment. Even when individuals correctly identify an illness, they may not know which medicine is most appropriate or whether it could interact with other drugs they are already taking.This often reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of how medicines work, said Dr Prachi Mehtani, a recent MBBS graduate from AIIMS Rishikesh. “One of the biggest myths is that ‘If a medicine worked once, it will work again for the same symptom,’ or that medicines are harmless simply because they are easily available without a prescription.”She said doctors frequently see patients who have already taken multiple medicines before seeking medical care. “In medicine, we treat the underlying cause of the disease—not just the symptom—and that is where self-medication often goes wrong,” she said, adding that delayed medical consultation can allow illnesses to progress while also making diagnosis more difficult.Also, different brand names containing the same active ingredient further increase the risk of accidental overdosing.When self-care becomes self-medicationHealth experts make an important distinction.Health experts draw an important distinction between responsible self-care and unsafe self-medication. While using approved OTC medicines according to labelled instructions for minor ailments can reduce pressure on hospitals and clinics, the problem arises when prescription medicines are used without prescriptions.According to the 2025 review, analgesics, antipyretics, antibiotics and cough-and-cold medicines were the four most commonly self-medicated drug categories in India. Antibiotics are the biggest concern.Unlike painkillers or antacids, antibiotics only work against bacterial infections. They have no effect on viral illnesses such as the common cold, influenza or most sore throats.Yet antibiotics are frequently taken for exactly these conditions.Even more concerning is the tendency to stop treatment once symptoms improve rather than completing the prescribed course, where medically indicated, or to reuse leftover antibiotics from previous illnesses.Another common practice is sharing medicines between family members.As Dr Mehtani puts it, “Medicine is always prescribed for the patient in front of us—not for the symptom alone.”A medicine prescribed for one person may be inappropriate or even unsafe for someone else because of differences in age, allergies, underlying illnesses or other medications being taken.These practices allow bacteria to survive, adapt and eventually become resistant.Certain groups deserve particular attention. A 2024 systematic review published in Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety found that 19.3% of pregnant women in India reported practising self-medication. Researchers found that convenience, perceptions of minor illness and advice from family members or pharmacists were major drivers. Children present another area of concern. A 2025 systematic review published in BMC Paediatrics estimated that nearly one in five Indian children (19.8%) had received antibiotics through self-medication. Local pharmacies, leftover medicines and family members were the primary sources of antibiotics, while the average duration of antibiotic use was only 2.5 days, far shorter than recommended treatment courses and a practice that could contribute to antimicrobial resistance.India’s growing antimicrobial resistance challengeIndia is already among the countries carrying one of the world’s largest burdens of antimicrobial resistance.The WHO has repeatedly identified AMR as one of the biggest global public health threats, warning that misuse and overuse of antibiotics are major drivers of resistance.The issue has also received attention at the highest political level. In his December 2025 Mann Ki Baat address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned against the indiscriminate use of antibiotics, saying they were “not medicines that should be taken mindlessly.”Referring to findings from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), he cautioned that growing antibiotic resistance was making common infections such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections increasingly difficult to treat, and urged people to avoid self-medication and use antibiotics only on medical advice.ICMR’s Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance and Research Network documented rising resistance among several common disease-causing bacteria, making routine infections increasingly difficult to treat.The consequences extend far beyond individual patients.When antibiotics lose effectiveness, common infections become harder to treat and the risk of mortality increases. As a result, healthcare spending also rises because resistant infections often require more expensive medicines, additional laboratory tests and prolonged hospital care.In other words, today’s misuse reduces tomorrow’s treatment options. Dr Mehtani said the consequences are no longer theoretical. She recalled treating young patients who routinely took antibiotics on their own whenever they developed a fever or a sore throat, often based on internet searches or previous prescriptions.”Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest public health challenges we face today,” she said.In one case, she said, a patient later developed a severe infection requiring intensive care, but the bacteria were resistant to almost all commonly used antibiotics, leaving doctors with very limited treatment options.”They are lifesaving medicines but only when used judiciously,” she added.Regulation exists—but enforcement remains difficultIndia already has legal restrictions on antibiotic sales.Many antibiotics fall under Schedule H1 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, meaning they should only be sold against a valid prescription, with pharmacies maintaining detailed sales records.The policy was specifically introduced to curb indiscriminate antibiotic use and slow antimicrobial resistance.However, implementation remains inconsistent.The National Academy of Medical Sciences has observed that OTC antibiotic sales remain common despite existing regulations, with both commonly used and higher-end antibiotics often dispensed for viral illnesses such as coughs, colds and sore throats.Several recent local studies continue to report widespread non-prescription antibiotic purchases, suggesting that enforcement gaps persist.This reflects a broader structural challenge.Many pharmacists operate as primary healthcare providers in communities where formal medical access remains limited. They are also often caught between legal obligations and patient demand, especially in areas where they are the first and sometimes the only available healthcare professional.Hence, simply tightening regulations without improving healthcare accessibility could unintentionally reduce access to essential treatment.Dr Mehtani said the Centre’s recent decision to tighten cough syrup sales was a positive step but should be seen as part of a broader strategy rather than a standalone solution.”Stricter regulations are a welcome step, but they are only part of the solution. We also need better public awareness, responsible dispensing by pharmacies, and easier access to qualified healthcare. Unless people understand the risks of self-medication, regulations alone will have limited impact,” she said.Digital age has changed the problemThe internet has transformed self-medication.Search engines, health influencers, short videos and AI-powered symptom checkers have made medical information more accessible than ever.Unfortunately, not all online advice is accurate.People often diagnose themselves after reading about symptoms online, while social media platforms continue to circulate unverified claims about miracle cures, antibiotics and supplements.Generative AI tools can provide useful health information but cannot replace physical examination, medical history or diagnostic testing required for many illnesses.This has contributed to a growing culture of “doctor Google”, where internet searches increasingly substitute professional consultation.Experts argue that improving health literacy—not merely restricting information—is essential.People need to understand not only what medicine treats a disease, but when medicine is unnecessary.Self-medication isn’t always harmfulNot every instance of self-medication is unsafe.Taking paracetamol for a mild fever, oral rehydration solution for diarrhoea or antacids for occasional acidity is widely accepted when used according to instructions.Many developed healthcare systems actively encourage responsible self-care for minor illnesses to reduce unnecessary medical consultations.The authors of the Medical Journal Armed Forces India review also caution against portraying all self-medication as inherently unsafe. They note that responsible use of approved OTC medicines can reduce pressure on healthcare systems, lower treatment costs and improve access to care, particularly in regions with limited medical infrastructure.The challenge lies in encouraging informed self-care while discouraging the unsupervised use of prescription medicines. The distinction lies in the type of medicine.OTC medicines intended for self-use are very different from antibiotics, steroids, sedatives or prescription painkillers that require professional supervision.Experts, therefore, increasingly argue that the objective should not be eliminating self-medication altogether but promoting responsible self-medication.What needs to change?Breaking India’s habit of unsafe self-medication will require more than stricter policing of pharmacies.The underlying incentives must also change.Experts say changing behaviour will require making responsible healthcare choices easier than unsafe ones. Dr Mehtani said responsible self-care should focus on rest, hydration, proper nutrition and the appropriate use of approved OTC medicines for short-term relief of minor ailments.However, she stressed that antibiotics and other prescription medicines should never be taken without medical advice.”A simple rule to remember is: treat minor symptoms at home, but never ignore persistent or worsening symptoms—they deserve a proper medical evaluation,” she said.Improve primary healthcare access: If consultations remain expensive or inaccessible, people will continue bypassing doctors.Strengthen enforcement: Existing prescription regulations need more consistent implementation, particularly for antibiotics.Improve pharmacy stewardship: Pharmacists can play a greater role in educating patients rather than simply dispensing medicines.Increase public awareness: Campaigns should explain why antibiotics do not treat viral infections and why misuse affects society as a whole.Expand digital health literacy: As more Indians seek medical information online, they need reliable, evidence-based sources.Promote antimicrobial stewardship: Hospitals, clinics and healthcare providers should continue encouraging rational prescribing practices while avoiding unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions themselves.Can India change?Changing a deeply embedded healthcare behaviour will not happen overnight.Self-medication has evolved because it often appears to solve immediate problems: it saves money, reduces waiting time and provides quick relief.But the long-term costs are becoming increasingly visible.As antibiotic resistance grows and common infections become harder to treat, what appears to be a personal decision increasingly becomes a public health issue.India’s challenge, therefore, is not to discourage responsible self-care but to redefine it.The goal is a healthcare system where people can confidently manage minor ailments with safe OTC medicines, while recognising when professional medical advice is essential—and where prescription medicines remain exactly that: medicines prescribed by qualified healthcare professionals.India’s dependence on unsafe self-medication did not develop overnight, and it will not disappear overnight either.Whether it can break its dependence on unsafe self-medication will ultimately depend not only on stronger regulation but also on building a healthcare system that is affordable, accessible and trusted enough that people no longer feel compelled to diagnose and treat themselves first.Only then can self-care remain a convenience without becoming a public health risk.Get the latest India news and live updates. 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