Electoral reforms in India have been a subject of discussion since long to enhance integrity, efficacy and transparency of the Indian election system. The “One Nation-One Election” concept, recently brought by the Ram Nath Kovind Committee, advocates simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
Need for electoral reforms
Ensuring more voter turnout to strengthen participative democracy.
Eg: the Dinesh Goswami committee suggested to enhance the involvement in democracy by simplifying the registration process.
A growing number of elected representatives with criminal backgrounds pose a threat to the integrity of the electoral system.
Addressing the nexus between politicians and criminals to increase voters’ trust and faith in democracy.
eg: As highlighted by the Vohra committee report, electoral reform is the remedy to curb the nexus.
India witnesses elections almost every year at different levels, leading to policy paralysis due to the frequent imposition of the Model Code of Conduct.
Limiting the rising costs of elections is crucial to ensure a level playing field and prevent undue influence on electoral outcomes by wealthy candidates or parties.
eg. The 2nd ARC report emphasized the need to curb spiraling electoral expenses to maintain the integrity of free and fair elections.
The growing role of social media in influencing voters has raised concerns about fake news, misinformation, and the potential for manipulation.
Strengthening mechanisms that ensure transparency and prevent manipulation in the electoral process is vital for upholding democracy.
eg. The Election Commission of India and the Law Commission have advocated for reforms to enhance transparency and integrity in election funding especially electoral bonds.
One Nation – One Election:
Simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies to streamline the electoral process.
Challenges Highlighted by Committees:
The implementation of One Nation-One Election holds the potential to strengthen India’s democratic process, ensuring efficient governance, cost savings, and enhanced voter participation along with a transparent electoral system.
Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals are alternate dispute resolution mechanisms in India aimed at reducing the burden on regular courts. They differ in their composition, nature, and types of cases handled.
Distinction between Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals:
| Parameter | Lok Adalat | Arbitration Tribunals |
| Definition | A statutory forum for resolving disputes amicably under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. | A private, quasi-judicial body formed by parties as per the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. |
| Nature | Deals primarily with minor civil, family, and petty criminal cases. For example, Issues related to land disputes and matrimonial cases. | Deals primarily commercial, contractual, and corporate disputes. For example: Arbitration Tribunals were used in the Vodafone tax case in India. |
| Authority | Non-judicial presided over by a judge or a legal expert. | Judicial authority to make binding decisions. |
| Voluntariness | Parties are participate voluntarily | Bound to participate in a pre existing contractual instrument |
| Formality of Process | Informal, with a focus on conciliation and compromise. | Formal adjudicative process based on evidence and legal arguments |
| Cost | No court fee in general | Court fees are making it more expensive |
| Speed of verdict | Faster | Involves long process |
Civil and Criminal Cases jurisdiction:
Lok Adalats: Entertain both civil cases and certain minor criminal cases (compoundable offenses).
Arbitration Tribunals: Handle only civil disputes; criminal cases are outside their jurisdiction.
‘Justice delayed is justice denied’ and for that matter, both Lok Adalat and Arbitrary tribunals need to be strengthened to make justice more affordable and effective in line with the spirit of Article 39A of the Indian Constitution.
The cabinet system is a government in which the real executive power rests with a group of ministers who are collectively responsible to the legislature as mentioned in Article 75 of the Indian Constitution. Parliamentary sovereignty refers to the supremacy of the Parliament in the legislative process.
Marginalisation of the parliamentary supremacy due to growth of cabinet system:
Eg: In India, MPs are bound by the party whip during voting, reducing the role of Parliament as a forum for debate.
At present 11 per year as compared to 6 per year prior to 2010, bypasses parliament’s role of law making and accountability over executive.
eg: The Supreme Court in D.C. Wadhwa vs. State of Bihar caser criticized the repetitive use of ordinances.
However, Parliamentary supremacy is still exists even after the cabinet system has grown significantly.
Strengthening parliamentary supremacy is crucial for Indian democracy. This would ensure the balance of power among the organs of the state as per envisioned in the Constitution.
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) as per Article 148 of the Indian Constitution is the supreme audit institution responsible for ensuring financial accountability in government operations. While its primary function as per Article 149 is to audit and verify the legality of expenditure, its role extends beyond mere compliance to assessing the propriety of financial transactions, ensuring efficiency, economy, and effectiveness in the use of public funds.
The duty of CAG: Legality of expenditure vs. Propriety
The legal audit assesses compliance with laws and regulations, while the propriety audit evaluates the necessity and reason of expenditures.
Propriety audits ensure resources are utilised for their intended purposes.
The Supreme Court judgment in 2018 concerning the Rafale deal referenced CAG audits, underscoring the importance of transparency and propriety in defense procurement. The court noted that audits must ensure funds are used judiciously, reflecting broader accountability.
The CAG’s 2021 report on the government’s COVID-19 response criticized the allocation of funds for relief measures, indicating that some expenditures did not align with the intended objectives, showcasing the CAG’s role in assessing the effectiveness of government spending.
Propriety audits serve to hold public officials accountable.
The duty of the Comptroller and Auditor General goes beyond ensuring the legality of expenditure to also include assessing its propriety. By upholding both principles, the CAG plays a vital role in promoting transparency and accountability in government spending.
Local bodies, both rural and urban, play a crucial role in providing good governance by ensuring effective administration, development, and service delivery at the grassroots level. In India, local governance operates through Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in rural areas and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) like Municipal Corporations and Municipalities in urban areas.
Roles of Local Bodies in Providing Good Governance:
eg: Gram Sabha, Social Audit system
Pros and Cons of Merging Rural Local Bodies with Urban Local Bodies
Pros | Cons |
i. Integrated Planning and Development | i. Diverse Needs and Priorities |
ii. Efficient Use of Resources | ii. Overburdening of Local Institutions |
iii. Improved Coordination | iii. Representation Issues |
iv. Equitable Development | iv. Loss of Local Identity and Autonomy |
v. Balanced Urbanization | v. Funding Imbalance |
Local bodies play a pivotal role in delivering good governance by promoting decentralization, accountability, and efficient service delivery. While merging rural and urban local bodies offers potential benefits such as integrated development and resource efficiency, it also presents significant challenges, especially in balancing the needs of diverse populations, maintaining local representation, and avoiding administrative overload. Careful consideration of local realities, proper representation, and resource allocation is necessary before considering such structural changes.
Public charitable trusts play a crucial role in advancing inclusive development in India by addressing key socio-economic challenges. They operate in areas such as education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and environmental conservation, often supplementing government efforts and reaching marginalized communities. Their ability to mobilize resources and implement targeted interventions makes them vital stakeholders in ensuring equitable growth.
Role of Public Charitable Trusts in Inclusive Development
eg.: Nadathur Trust works towards the upliftment of rural communities through skill training and entrepreneurship programs.
eg.:Narayana Health (supported by philanthropic trusts) provides affordable cardiac care to low-income patients.
eg.Infosys Foundation invests in STEM education and digital literacy programs.
eg.: Sir Dorabji Tata Trust has funded multiple projects for watershed management in drought-prone areas.
eg.:During COVID-19, PM CARES Fund and private charitable trusts funded hospitals, oxygen plants, and vaccine distribution.
Challenges Faced by Public Charitable Trusts
Way Forward
Public charitable trusts have immense potential to make India’s development more inclusive by addressing critical public issues and complementing state efforts. By overcoming existing challenges and fostering better coordination, they can significantly contribute to India’s goal of achieving sustainable and equitable growth. Their role is indispensable in realizing the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, and Sabka Vishwas.
Poverty and malnutrition are interlinked, forming a vicious cycle where poor nutrition leads to lower productivity, impaired cognitive development, and reduced earning potential, perpetuating poverty across generations. This adversely impacts human capital formation, which is essential for economic growth and social progress. Breaking this cycle requires multi-dimensional interventions addressing both poverty and malnutrition simultaneously.
Steps to Break the Cycle
iii. Enhancing Education and Awareness
Breaking the cycle of poverty and malnutrition requires a multi-pronged strategy integrating nutritional support, economic empowerment, education, and healthcare improvements. Policies should emphasize targeted interventions for vulnerable populations, leveraging technology, community participation, and inter-sectoral coordination to build a resilient and healthier human capital base. As Amartya Sen emphasized, “Economic development without investment in human capital is unsustainable and inequitable.”
The Doctrine of Democratic Governance emphasizes transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in public administration. In a democracy, civil servants act as the bridge between the government and the people, executing policies that impact citizens’ lives. Their perceived integrity and commitment directly influence public trust in government institutions. A negative perception can erode legitimacy, while a positive perception strengthens democratic governance.
Importance of Public Perception in Democratic Governance
The 2011 Anti-Corruption Movement in India reflected public discontent with perceived bureaucratic corruption.
Challenges Affecting Public Perception
Measures to Improve Public Perception
A positive public perception of civil servants is essential for effective democratic governance. Strengthening ethical conduct, improving transparency, and ensuring accountability will help restore and maintain public confidence. As Sardar Patel aptly described civil servants as the “steel frame” of India, their integrity remains crucial for sustaining democracy and development.
The rise of China as a global economic and political power has led the West, particularly the United States and European nations, to seek alternatives for reducing dependence on China’s supply chains and countering its strategic influence. India, with its large market, skilled workforce, and democratic governance, is being actively fostered as an alternative by Western powers. This is evident in increased investments, trade diversification efforts, and strategic partnerships.
Reasons for the West’s Push Toward India
eg.The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), comprising India, the U.S., Japan, and Australia, focuses on ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific, indirectly countering China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea.
Challenges in This Shift
The West’s fostering of India as an alternative to China is driven by economic and geopolitical imperatives. While India is benefiting from increased investment and strategic partnerships, the transition is gradual and requires continued reforms. If India successfully capitalizes on this opportunity, it can emerge as a key player in global supply chains and geopolitical affairs.
India’s engagement with the Central Asian Republics (CARs)—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—has evolved significantly in the past three decades. Given the region’s strategic location, rich energy resources, and growing geopolitical importance, India has sought to deepen diplomatic, economic, and strategic ties. However, challenges such as connectivity issues and competition from regional powers like China and Russia persist.
Significance of CARs in Regional and Global Geopolitics
India’s Evolving Diplomatic, Economic, and Strategic Relations with CARs
Challenges:
Challenges:
iii. Strategic & Security Cooperation: Counterterrorism & Regional Stability
Challenges:
India’s engagement with Central Asia is gaining momentum, driven by energy needs, connectivity ambitions, and security imperatives. However, challenges like China’s economic dominance, limited connectivity, and geopolitical competition remain. To strengthen its role, India must enhance infrastructure investments, deepen economic ties, and maintain a pragmatic strategic approach in the region.
In recent years, India has witnessed multiple instances of question paper leaks and organized malpractices in recruitment and entrance examinations, significantly undermining the credibility of public examinations. With approximately 48 reported cases across 16 states in the past five years, affecting 1.51 crore aspirants, these malpractices have disrupted fair competition and delayed recruitment and admissions.
To address these challenges, the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, was enacted to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability in public examinations. The Act introduces stringent legal provisions to curb unfair practices, deter organized crime, and uphold the sanctity of the examination process.
Objectives of the Act
The primary objectives of the Act are as follows:
Key Provisions of the Act
The Act broadly defines unfair means to include:
iii. Strengthening Examination Security
Scope and Coverage of the Act
The Act applies to examinations conducted by the following bodies:
Significance of the Act
Challenges and the Way Forward
Challenges:
Way Forward:
The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, is a landmark reform aimed at safeguarding the credibility of India’s recruitment and admission processes. By introducing stringent penalties, leveraging technology, and ensuring inter-agency cooperation, the Act seeks to restore fairness and trust in public examinations. However, its success will depend on effective implementation, strict enforcement, and proactive governance to eliminate systemic loopholes and uphold the principles of meritocracy.
The right to privacy is an intrinsic part of the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. The Supreme Court, in Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) vs. Union of India (2017), recognized privacy as a fundamental right, essential for personal autonomy and human dignity. However, this right is not absolute and must be balanced against the demands of justice, particularly in cases involving DNA testing for establishing paternity.
Right to Privacy as Part of Article 21
Legal Framework for DNA Testing and Right to Privacy
Balancing Privacy and Justice
The right to privacy, though fundamental under Article 21, is not absolute and must be balanced with the imperatives of justice. Courts have upheld the necessity of DNA testing in cases where it is crucial for determining paternity, provided it is conducted in a manner that upholds privacy and dignity. A nuanced approach that respects personal rights while ensuring justice remains essential in such legal determinations.
The Centre-State relationship in India has undergone significant shifts in recent years, particularly in the context of cooperative federalism and fiscal devolution. Issues such as the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission, disputes over GST compensation, and legislative conflicts like the farm laws have highlighted the evolving nature of Indian federalism. While the Centre has introduced reforms aimed at strengthening governance, concerns over financial and legislative autonomy of states have also emerged.
Recent Changes in Centre-State Relations
iii. Centralization of Welfare Programs
Measures to Strengthen Federalism and Centre-State Relations
iii. Strengthening Cooperative Federalism
India’s federal structure is dynamic and requires continuous cooperation between the Centre and states. As Dr. B.R. Ambedkar emphasized, “Federalism is not a matter of administrative convenience but one of political necessity.” Strengthening financial devolution, institutional cooperation, and state autonomy will ensure a more balanced and effective governance structure, ultimately reinforcing the democratic framework of the nation.
Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has revolutionized the Indian judicial system by empowering courts to address the grievances of marginalized and disadvantaged communities. Rooted in Articles 32 and 226 of the Indian Constitution, PIL enables individuals or organizations to seek legal remedies on behalf of those unable to approach the court directly. It has played a crucial role in expanding judicial activism, ensuring government accountability, and reinforcing fundamental rights.
Reasons for the Growth of PIL in India
The Supreme Court as the World’s Most Powerful Judiciary
Challenges and Criticism of PIL and Judicial Overreach
Way Forward: Making PIL More Effective
Public Interest Litigation has transformed the Indian judiciary into a custodian of social justice and constitutional morality. While it has significantly contributed to empowering marginalized communities, enhancing governance, and ensuring executive accountability, unchecked judicial activism and misuse of PILs remain challenges. As Justice P.N. Bhagwati emphasized, PIL must strike a balance between access to justice and judicial restraint, ensuring that the judiciary remains the “last resort for the oppressed and the bewildered.”
Secularism is a foundational principle of modern democracy, ensuring the separation of religion from the state while upholding religious freedom and equality. In India, secularism is constitutionally enshrined through the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, ensuring that no religion is favored by the state. Unlike the Western model of strict separation, Indian secularism follows the principle of “Sarva Dharma Sambhava” (equal respect for all religions), allowing state intervention in religious matters to uphold social justice and constitutional morality.
India as a Secular State
Comparison of Secularism: India vs. the United States
Aspect | India | United states |
Constitutional Enshrinement | Secularism explicitly added to the Preamble (42nd Amendment, 1976). | Secularism implied in the First Amendment, prohibiting state-sponsored religion. |
State-Religion Relationship | Follows a positive secularism model—state intervenes in religious matters when needed for social justice. | Adopts strict separation—church and state are completely independent. |
Freedom of Religion | Articles 25-28 guarantee religious freedom but allow restrictions in the interest of public order, morality, and health. | First Amendment ensures absolute religious freedom, prohibiting government interference. |
Religious Symbols in Public Institutions | Allowed in some public spaces. | Strict prohibition on religious symbols in government spaces (e.g., Engel v. Vitale, 1962, banned school prayers). |
Religious Education | Allowed in private and minority institutions. | Prohibited in public schools to maintain secular education. |
Political Influence | Religion plays a visible role in politics and governance. | Strong legal safeguards prevent religious influence on state affairs. |
Personal Laws | Personal laws based on religion exist (e.g., Hindu Marriage Act, Muslim Personal Law). | Uniform civil laws apply to all citizens. |
Judiciary’s Role | Balances secularism with religious freedoms (e.g., Kesavananda Bharati case, 1973). | Enforces strict separation (e.g., Lemon v. Kurtzman, 1971). |
Challenges to Secularism in India
Indian secularism, rooted in equal respect for all religions, differs from the American model of strict separation. While India’s positive secularism allows for state intervention in religion for social justice, the U.S. follows passive secularism, keeping religion and the state strictly apart. To uphold India’s secular fabric, constitutional morality, judicial oversight, and inclusive policies must be reinforced, ensuring that secularism remains a unifying force in India’s diverse democracy.
The Citizen’s Charter is a formal document that outlines an organization’s commitments regarding the standards, quality, and time frame of services provided to the public. First introduced in the United Kingdom in 1991, India adopted the concept in 1997 to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public service delivery. Despite its potential to improve governance, challenges in design, implementation, and enforcement have hindered its effectiveness in India.
Significance of the Citizen’s Charter in Ensuring Citizen-Centric Administration
Challenges Hindering the Effectiveness of the Citizen’s Charter in India
Measures to Strengthen the Citizen’s Charter
The Citizen’s Charter is a crucial tool for ensuring citizen-centric governance by promoting transparency, accountability, and efficient service delivery. However, to maximize its impact, legal backing, regular evaluation, public awareness, and strong grievance redressal mechanisms must be ensured. Strengthening the Citizen’s Charter will enhance public trust in government institutions and further the objective of Good Governance in India.
The public healthcare system in India plays a vital role in ensuring affordable and accessible medical care, especially for marginalized communities. However, the increasing marketization of healthcare has led to rising costs, inequitable access, and widening socio-economic disparities. The Bhore Committee (1946) highlighted the need for state intervention in providing universal healthcare, a principle that remains relevant today.
Adverse Impact of Marketization of Public Healthcare
State’s Role in Strengthening Public Healthcare
Measures to Mitigate the Negative Effects of Marketization
A robust public healthcare system is essential for ensuring universal health coverage and reducing dependence on expensive private care. The state must take proactive steps to increase public investment, regulate private sector practices, and expand access to affordable healthcare. Aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3—”Good Health and Well-being”—India must strengthen its healthcare framework to achieve equitable, accessible, and quality healthcare for all.
E-Governance is the application of information and communication technology (ICT) in governance to enhance efficiency, accessibility, and transparency. However, it is not merely about digitizing routine services but also about fostering citizen-government interactions to improve transparency, accountability, and participatory governance. The Interactive Service Model of e-governance plays a crucial role in ensuring this transformation by enabling two-way communication between the state and citizens.
E-Governance as a Tool for Transparency and Accountability
The Interactive Service Model in E-Governance
The Interactive Service Model represents the highest stage of e-governance, where citizens actively participate in decision-making and service improvements rather than being passive recipients of services. It enables two-way engagement, improving governance outcomes through real-time feedback, participatory policy-making, and accountability mechanisms.
Role of the Interactive Service Model in E-Governance
Challenges in the Interactive Service Model of E-Governance
Way Forward: Strengthening the Interactive Service Model
E-Governance is not just about automating services but about transforming governance through transparency, accountability, and citizen participation. The Interactive Service Model fosters two-way communication between the government and the people, ensuring real-time feedback, participatory policy-making, and efficient public service delivery. However, to maximize its potential, India must bridge the digital divide, strengthen cybersecurity, and ensure inclusive governance. By addressing these challenges, India can realize the vision of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance” and move towards a truly participatory and transparent governance model.
Terrorism is a persistent global challenge that transcends national boundaries, threatening peace, stability, and development. In response, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) established the Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC) in 2001 to oversee the implementation of counterterrorism measures worldwide. Despite its significant role in shaping international counterterrorism efforts, challenges persist in enforcement, coordination, and adaptation to evolving threats.
Effectiveness of the UNSC’s Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC) and Associated Bodies
iii. Capacity Building and Technical Assistance
Challenges and Limitations
iii. Evolving Nature of Terrorism
Way Forward
iii. Capacity Building in Vulnerable Regions
The UNSC’s Counter Terrorism Committee has played a pivotal role in shaping global counterterrorism policy, enhancing cooperation, and enforcing sanctions. However, political biases, enforcement challenges, and evolving terrorist tactics continue to limit its effectiveness. A holistic approach, including technological adaptation, socio-economic development, and depoliticized multilateralism, is essential for tackling terrorism effectively and ensuring long-term global security.
The Maldives, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, holds immense strategic significance for India due to its location along major maritime trade routes. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, “India and the Maldives are not just neighbors; we are natural partners. Our destinies are intertwined, and we share the same vision of peace and prosperity.” The stability and alignment of the Maldives with India’s interests are crucial for maritime security, energy security, and regional stability, especially amidst rising global competition.
Example: India’s collaboration with the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) for maritime domain awareness (MDA) ensures the protection of vital shipping lanes.
Example: India signed a Defence Action Plan (2016) with the Maldives and supplies nearly 70% of its military training and equipment to prevent undue external influence.
Example: India has deployed military and economic assistance to stabilize the Maldives during political unrest and natural disasters.
a.Maritime Security and Threat Mitigation
Example: The India-Maldives Coast Guard collaboration has intercepted multiple illegal activities, ensuring safe and secure trade routes.
Example: During the 2021 Maldivian political crisis, India played a key role in supporting democratic governance to maintain regional stability.
Example: India’s $1.4 billion financial assistance package (2018) for the Maldives strengthens infrastructure and trade ties.
iii. Challenges in India-Maldives Relations
Example: Intelligence cooperation between India and the Maldives has helped counter radical elements in the region.
Example: India should align its “Neighbourhood First” policy with the Maldives’ “India First” policy through consultative diplomacy.
The Maldives remains a key pillar of India’s maritime security, regional influence, and economic interests in the Indian Ocean Region. As international competition intensifies, India must balance strategic engagement, economic investment, and diplomatic outreach to sustain a mutually beneficial and stable partnership with the Maldives. As Prime Minister Modi emphasized, “A strong, prosperous, and stable Maldives is in the interest of every nation in the Indian Ocean region.”