President Droupadi Murmu lights the lamp during the Human Rights Day celebration organised by the National Human Rights Commission, in New Delhi on December 10, 2024.
| Photo Credit: ANI
President of India Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday (December 10, 2024) said that business leaders must ensure the growing gig economy did not adversely impact the mental health of gig workers. Speaking at an event organised by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Human Rights Day, the President also described cybercrimes and climate change as new threats to human rights, and emphasised the need to ponder the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), which has both good and bad impact on human lives.
“Cybercrimes and climate change are new threats to human rights. The digital era, while being transformative, has also brought with it complex issues such as cyberbullying, deepfakes, privacy concerns, and the spread of misinformation. These challenges underscore the importance of fostering a safe, secure, and equitable digital environment that protects the rights and dignity of every individual,” the President, the chief guest at the NHRC event, said.
Emphasising the importance of mental health, which she said had become a critical issue in the past few years, especially for children and youth, the President appealed to all stakeholders to initiate adequate measures to reduce the stress affecting this section of society.
She further urged business leaders to ensure that the growing gig economy did not adversely impact the mental health of gig workers. “As we adopt new economic models, we must ensure that the well-being of all individuals, especially those in vulnerable sectors, remains our priority. We must all work towards removing any stigma associated with mental illness, creating awareness, and helping those in need,” Ms. Murmu said.
The President also stressed the need to examine the issue of climate change. “Polluters of a different place and a different era are affecting the lives of people in another place and another period. India, as the voice of the Global South, has rightly taken up the leadership in climate action. The government’s initiatives, such as the 2022 Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, the Green Credit Initiative, and the Lifestyle for Environment, or LiFE, Movement, are clear demonstrations of India’s commitment to building a clean and green planet for future generations,” she said.
Pointing out that India had an elderly population of around 150 million by 2022, which is projected to reach 350 million by 2050, the President said that it was imperative policies were formulated to preserve the dignity and ensure the well-being of the elderly, empowering them to live full lives as valuable members of society.
NHRC acting Chairperson Vijaya Bharathi Sayani in her welcome note said that Human Rights Day served as a powerful reminder of the fundamental rights inherent to every individual, irrespective of their identity or background.
“Globally, we are witnessing an escalation in conflicts, leading to the displacement of millions and creating severe humanitarian crises affecting vulnerable and low-income communities. In this era of rapid change and complex social dynamics, the role of the NHRC, India has never been more critical. We remain committed to advocating for the rights of marginalised communities through significant national and international initiatives, striving to build a society where everyone can enjoy their fundamental freedoms, free from fear or discrimination,” President Murmu said.
Published – December 10, 2024 09:47 pm IST
