GS Paper: Federalism

PYQ Relevance:  Q “The states in India seem reluctant to empower urban local bodies both functionally as well as financially.” Comment. (2023) Reason: It touches upon the broader theme of federalism and the distribution of power within the Indian political system, which is relevant to concerns about the Union government’s role and potential influence in the delimitation process.

 

Mentor’s Comment:  The ongoing debate on delimitation raises concerns about power imbalances, particularly for southern States. A democratic approach could freeze parliamentary seats while increasing Assembly seats in high-growth States. Strengthening zonal councils and reviving the dormant Inter-State Council (inactive since 2016) can ensure balanced representation, fostering cooperative federalism and addressing regional disparities effectively.

Today’s editorial highlights the debate on delimitation raises concerns about power imbalances, particularly for southern States. This content would help in GS paper 2 (representation in Parliament)  and GS 3 ( Internal security issues arise due to it).

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Why in the News?

Another risk of delimitation is the division of electoral constituencies based on religion or community.

What are the risks of dividing electoral constituencies based on religion or community during delimitation?

• Gerrymandering to Favor Specific Communities: Delimitation can be used to redraw boundaries in a way that benefits certain religious or ethnic groups while marginalizing others. Example: In Jammu & Kashmir (2022), Hindu-majority areas in Jammu received more seats despite having a lower population compared to Muslim-majority Kashmir

Note: Gerrymandering means changing the size and borders of an area for voting in order to give an unfair advantage to one party in an election

 

• Reduced Political Representation for Minority Groups: If constituencies are redrawn to dilute minority votes, their political influence can weaken, leading to unfair representation. Example: In Assam (2023), boundary changes in Muslim-majority areas reportedly made it harder for their votes to impact election outcomes.
• Increased Social and Political Divisions: When constituencies are created along religious lines, it can deepen communal tensions and polarize elections. Example: In Uttar Pradesh, past constituency adjustments have led to concerns that Muslim-majority areas were fragmented to reduce their electoral strength.

What are the key concerns regarding the fresh delimitation of legislative constituencies in India?

• Population-Based Seat Allocation May Reduce Representation for Progressive States: Delimitation based on population growth would increase parliamentary seats for northern States (e.g., Uttar Pradesh, Bihar) while reducing influence for southern States (e.g., Tamil Nadu, Kerala), which have controlled population growth through successful policies.
• Risk of Communal Gerrymandering: Past delimitation exercises, such as in Jammu & Kashmir (2022) and Assam (2023), suggest that constituency boundaries may be redrawn to benefit certain religious or ethnic groups, marginalizing minorities.
• Disproportionate Voter Representation: Unequal constituency sizes create voter disparities. For instance, in Jammu & Kashmir, Hindu-majority seats had smaller electorates (as low as 50,000), while Muslim-majority seats had much larger voter populations (up to 1.92 lakh).
• Potential Weakening of Federalism: Southern States fear that increased parliamentary seats for northern States could shift national policymaking priorities away from their economic and developmental interests, reducing their influence in governance.
• Lack of Institutional Safeguards Against Political Manipulation: Bodies like the Inter-State Council (dormant since 2016) and Zonal Councils (irregular meetings) are weak, limiting their role in addressing regional concerns, leaving room for politically motivated delimitation decisions.

Why are the Southern States apprehensive about the potential power imbalance due to delimitation?

• Population Control Efforts Could Lead to Reduced Representation: Southern States like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh have successfully controlled population growth through better healthcare, education, and family planning. However, delimitation based on population increase would benefit northern States like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, reducing the parliamentary strength of the South.
• Disproportionate Economic Contribution vs. Political Representation: Southern States contribute significantly to India’s GDP and tax revenues. For example, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are among the top GST-contributing States. A shift in political representation favouring the North could mean economic policies are shaped without adequate input from these high-contributing regions.
• Risk of Policy Marginalization: More parliamentary seats for northern States could result in national policies that favour their interests (e.g., agricultural subsidies, welfare schemes) over industrialized and service-based economies in the South.
• For instance, the 15th Finance Commission’s devolution formula already reduced allocations to progressive States like Kerala due to their lower population growth.
• Federalism and Autonomy at Risk: Southern States emphasize federalism and regional autonomy, and a population-based delimitation could further centralize power in the hands of the Hindi-speaking belt, reducing the political influence of non-Hindi-speaking States.
• Precedents of Unequal Representation in Recent Delimitations: The Jammu & Kashmir (2022) and Assam (2023) delimitations have shown how constituency boundaries can be redrawn in ways that favour certain regions or communities. Southern States fear similar political maneuvering could reduce their legislative influence in the future.

How did the recent delimitation exercises in Jammu & Kashmir and Assam impact electoral representation?

• Disproportionate Seat Allocation Between Jammu and Kashmir: Jammu was given six additional Assembly seats, while Kashmir, despite having a larger population, received only one additional seat. Example: Before delimitation, Kashmir had 46 seats and Jammu had 37. After delimitation, Kashmir got 47, while Jammu increased to 43, altering the political balance in favor of Jammu.
• Gerrymandering Along Communal and Regional Lines: Constituency boundaries were redrawn in a way that seemed to favor Hindu-majority areas, potentially benefitting the BJP. Example: The Muslim-majority Kishtwar district saw boundary changes that made it more Hindu-dominated. Similarly, Rajouri and Poonch (Jammu) were merged with Anantnag (Kashmir) in a new Lok Sabha seat, despite geographical and cultural differences.
• Unequal Representation in Terms of Voter Population: Some Muslim-majority constituencies in Kashmir had more than 1.5 lakh voters, while many new Jammu seats had significantly fewer voters, making votes in Jammu more influential. Example: Dooru (1.92 lakh voters) and Surankote (1.77 lakh voters) had much larger populations than new seats in Jammu with 50,000–60,000 voters.
• Weakened Political Representation for Kashmiri Parties: The changes were seen as reducing the influence of Kashmiri-based parties like the National Conference (NC) and PDP, while consolidating the BJP’s hold in Jammu. Example: The BJP has never won a seat in Kashmir. By increasing Jammu’s seats, it has improved its chances of influencing J&K’s electoral outcomes.
• First-Time Reservation for Scheduled Tribes (STs): The delimitation reserved 9 Assembly seats for Scheduled Tribes, mostly benefiting Gujjar and Bakarwal communities in Jammu. Example: The new ST-reserved seats include Rajouri, Mendhar, and Surankote, marking the first time STs have been granted separate representation.

What are zonal councils and Inter-State Council (inactive since 2016)? Zonal Councils, established under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, promote regional cooperation among States in five zones. The Inter-State Council, set up under Article 263 of the Constitution, facilitates Centre-State and inter-State coordination.

How can strengthening zonal councils and reviving the dormant Inter-State Council (inactive since 2016) help ensure balanced representation in India?

• Addressing Regional Imbalances in Representation: By ensuring regular meetings of zonal councils, States across different regions can voice concerns regarding political representation and economic disparities. Example: If southern States lose parliamentary seats due to population-based delimitation, zonal councils can advocate for compensatory measures like additional Rajya Sabha representation.
• Enhancing Cooperative Federalism: The Inter-State Council can serve as a platform to mediate Centre-State and inter-State disputes, ensuring all regions get equitable political influence. Example: Resolving issues like tax devolution, resource allocation, and governance models that disproportionately impact southern States due to shifting parliamentary strength.
• Strengthening Policy Coordination Among States: Zonal councils can facilitate coordinated development policies, ensuring that national decisions reflect regional concerns, especially in underrepresented areas. Example: The Southern Zonal Council could push for greater investment in infrastructure and technology sectors, ensuring economic contributions translate into policy influence.

Way forward: 

• Balanced Representation Through a Hybrid Formula: Instead of relying solely on population-based delimitation, a hybrid model considering factors like economic contribution, governance efficiency, and demographic stability should be adopted.
  • Example: The Finance Commission’s tax devolution formula considers multiple parameters beyond population; a similar approach can be applied to delimitation to ensure fair representation for both high-growth and high-population States.
• Independent and Transparent Delimitation Process: Strengthening constitutional bodies like the Delimitation Commission and Election Commission with greater transparency and public participation to prevent gerrymandering or political bias.
  • Example: Implementing real-time public consultations and Supreme Court oversight in delimitation decisions can help address regional concerns and ensure fairness.

PYQ Relevance: Q) Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (UPSC CSE 2021)

 

Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on the main objectives of Population Education (2021) and National Education Policy 2020 (2020).

The main focus of this debate should be the public school students—they make up 55% of school enrolment in Tamil Nadu. Unlike children in private schools, who often get extra coaching or tuition, public school students cannot afford such support. The key question is: Does learning three languages instead of two really help public school students compete with wealthier peers in the job market and become productive citizens?

Today’s editorial discusses the introduction of a third language in academics and its potential impact. This topic is relevant for GS Papers 1 and 2 in the UPSC Mains examination.

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Why in the News?

Forcing students to learn a third language has no academic benefit and may create a generation unable to compete at the national level.

What is the Three-Language Formula? The third language typically refers to an additional language that students learn in school beyond their mother tongue (first language) and English (second language). In India, the Three-Language Formula was introduced under the National Education Policy (NEP) to promote multilingualism and national integration.

Does learning three languages instead of two really help public school students compete with wealthier peers in the job market and become productive citizens?

• Limited Practical Advantage: Learning a third language may not directly improve job prospects if core skills like English proficiency and technical knowledge are weak. Example: In national-level exams like UPSC or banking tests, fluency in English is more valuable than knowing a third language like Hindi.
• Unequal Access to Resources: Public school students often lack access to quality teaching and extra coaching for a third language, unlike wealthier peers in private schools.
  Example: A private school student can afford Hindi tuition, while a public school student relying only on classroom instruction may fall behind.
• Diverts Focus from Essential Skills: Adding a third language may reduce time spent on improving critical subjects like math, science, and literacy, which are key for future employment.
  Example: According to ASER 2024, 88% of Class 3 students in Tamil Nadu lack basic literacy—introducing a third language could widen this gap.

What is the primary concern regarding the three-language formula for public school students in Tamil Nadu?

• Increased Educational Burden: Public school students, who lack access to private coaching, face added pressure from learning a third language. Example: A child from a rural public school struggling with basic literacy in Tamil and English may find learning Hindi an additional challenge, reducing focus on core subjects.
• Inequality in Educational Access: Privileged students from private schools can afford supplemental learning (e.g., tuition), while public school students cannot. Example: A private school student can attend Hindi tuition, but a public school student relying solely on classroom instruction may fall behind.
• Poor Educational Infrastructure: Public schools lack qualified teachers to effectively teach a third language, which may lower educational quality. Example: Despite Tamil Nadu’s high education budget, 80-90% is spent on teacher salaries, leaving minimal funds for hiring new Hindi teachers or improving resources.
• Impact on Learning Outcomes: Introducing a third language diverts time from improving essential skills like literacy and numeracy, especially when foundational learning is weak. Example: According to ASER 2024, 88% of Class 3 students in Tamil Nadu lack basic literacy skills—adding a third language may further dilute learning time.
• Reduced National Competitiveness: Without strong English proficiency, public school students may struggle in national-level exams and job markets where English is dominant. Example: Tamil Nadu students competing for central services exams (UPSC) or jobs requiring English proficiency may be at a disadvantage if the focus shifts to Hindi instead of improving English skills.

Could learning a third language fail to improve cognitive abilities? 

Arguments in favour: 

• Cognitive Overload: Introducing a third language can overwhelm students, especially when basic literacy in the first and second languages is weak. Example: Public school students struggling with Tamil and English may face cognitive strain, reducing their ability to master essential subjects.
• Weak Foundation in Mother Tongue: Research suggests that proficiency in the mother tongue is crucial for cognitive development before introducing additional languages. Example: A child who lacks fluency in Tamil may struggle to grasp complex concepts in Hindi, leading to weaker overall comprehension.
• Limited Evidence of Cognitive Gains: While bilingualism enhances cognitive skills, there is no conclusive evidence that learning a third language improves cognitive abilities proportionately. Example: Studies show that depth of understanding in one or two languages is more beneficial than surface-level knowledge of multiple languages.

Arguments against: 

• Cognitive Overload: Introducing a third language can overwhelm students, especially when basic literacy in the first and second languages is weak. Example: Public school students struggling with Tamil and English may face cognitive strain, reducing their ability to master essential subjects.
• Weak Foundation in Mother Tongue: Research suggests that proficiency in the mother tongue is crucial for cognitive development before introducing additional languages. Example: A child who lacks fluency in Tamil may struggle to grasp complex concepts in Hindi, leading to weaker overall comprehension.
• Limited Evidence of Cognitive Gains: While bilingualism enhances cognitive skills, there is no conclusive evidence that learning a third language improves cognitive abilities proportionately. Example: Studies show that depth of understanding in one or two languages is more beneficial than surface-level knowledge of multiple languages.

How can child development be balanced with political concerns about language education?

• Optional Third Language Policy: Offer the third language as an optional subject rather than making it mandatory, allowing students to choose based on their interests and future needs. Example: Tamil Nadu could introduce Hindi as an optional third language from middle school, especially in urban areas where demand is higher.
• Focus on Core Language Proficiency: Prioritize strong literacy in the mother tongue and English to ensure foundational learning before adding an additional language. Example: Strengthening Tamil and English instruction in public schools will help students succeed in national-level competitive exams.
• Context-Sensitive Implementation: Implement language policies that reflect local realities and employment trends without compromising cultural identity. Example: In Tamil Nadu, where most job opportunities are available locally, bilingual education (Tamil and English) may be more practical than adding a third language.
• Equity in Language Resources: Ensure adequate teacher training and educational materials for any third language to avoid disadvantaging public school students. Example: Hiring qualified Hindi teachers and providing multilingual textbooks can ensure that students receive quality education if they choose a third language.
• Flexible Language Learning Pathways: Allow regional flexibility in adopting the three-language formula, adapting to the socio-political landscape while prioritizing student welfare. Example: Tamil Nadu could adopt a phased approach, starting with voluntary third-language instruction in district headquarters and expanding based on demand.

Way forward: 

• Strengthen Bilingual Education First: Focus on improving Tamil and English proficiency in public schools to ensure students develop strong foundational skills before introducing a third language.
• Flexible and Inclusive Language Policy: Implement a voluntary third-language framework, allowing students the choice to learn an additional language based on regional needs and career aspirations.

PYQ Relevance: Q) How far are India’s internal security challenges linked with border management particularly in view of the long porous borders with most countries of South Asia and Myanmar? (2013)    Q) If a particular area is brought under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India, which one of the following statements best reflects the consequence of it? (CSP 2022) (a) This would prevent the transfer of land of tribal people to non-tribal people. (b) This would create a local self-governing body in that area. (c) This would convert that area into a Union Territory. (d) The State having such areas would be declared a Special Category State.

 

Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on internal security challenges linked with border management (2013), and  Fifth Schedule (2022).

The India-Myanmar borderlands lack reliable data despite ongoing conflicts and crises. In Manipur, restricted access and security issues make it hard to document humanitarian needs. Misinformation worsens the situation. Around 58,000 people live in relief camps, while 12,000 fled to Mizoram and 7,000 to Nagaland, Assam, and Meghalaya. Data collection remains fragmented.

Today’s editorial discusses issues related to Manipur, which are relevant for GS Paper 3 (Mains) under the Security section.

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Why in the News?

The Manipur conflict is complex, and security issues make it hard to access certain areas leads to major gaps in tracking humanitarian needs.

How has the complexity of the conflict contributed to significant gaps in documenting humanitarian needs?

• Restricted Access and Security Concerns: The conflict’s complexity leads to restricted access for humanitarian organizations and data collectors due to security risks. Example: Adverse security conditions hinder the ability to thoroughly assess needs in certain areas.
• Breakdown of Information Chains: The physical and social separation of communities (like the Meitei and Kuki-Zomi) disrupts the flow of accurate information. Example: The separation makes it difficult to get a comprehensive understanding of the needs of both communities, as information does not flow freely between them.
• Unaccounted Populations: Official counts often only consider those in registered relief camps, overlooking unregistered individuals living with relatives, in temporary shelters, or displaced across multiple locations. Example: Many individuals displaced outside of registered camps or those who have left the State entirely are not included in official estimates, leading to underreporting.
• Altered Healthcare Access and Documentation: The conflict changes how people seek medical care, especially in conflicted regions, making it difficult to track health-related issues. Example: Residents of Kuki-Zomi-dominated hill districts can no longer easily access major hospitals in Imphal, leading to indirect routes and potentially undocumented health crises.
• Misinformation and Disinformation: The spread of inaccurate information clouds the true picture, making it difficult to form an empirical understanding of the conflict’s impact. Example: The text mentions that misinformation and disinformation cloud an empirical understanding of the conflict.

Why do the India-Myanmar borderlands remain a data-deficient region despite their long history of armed conflict, displacement, and humanitarian crises?

• Challenging Geography: The region’s complex topography, characterized by rugged mountains and dense forests, complicates access for data collection efforts. For example, the difficult terrain has hindered the effective implementation of border initiatives such as fencing, which has faced significant logistical challenges over the years.
• Inadequate Infrastructure: There is a lack of basic infrastructure, including roads and communication networks, which impedes the movement of researchers and humanitarian workers.
  • The Moreh Integrated Check Post (ICP) in Manipur, intended to facilitate trade and connectivity, has experienced slow construction and inadequate facilities, reflecting broader infrastructural deficiencies in the region.
• Political Sensitivities: The presence of various insurgent groups and ongoing conflicts creates a volatile environment that discourages data collection. Security concerns often prevent researchers and NGOs from engaging with local communities to gather necessary information on humanitarian needs.
• Shared Ethnic Ties and Cross-Border Dynamics: The interconnectedness of ethnic communities across the border complicates the situation further. Policies such as the cancellation of the Free Regime Movement (FMR) agreement have disrupted traditional social networks, making it difficult to assess the socio-economic conditions on both sides effectively.

• Restricted Access for Humanitarian Organizations: Government-imposed restrictions and logistical challenges prevent humanitarian agencies from collecting and reporting crucial data.
  • Example: After Myanmar’s 2021 military coup, aid organizations faced severe restrictions in conflict-hit areas like the Sagaing Region, resulting in major data gaps on displacement and food insecurity.

Why does Manipur need a shift towards ‘greater common good’ politics?

• Ethnic Divisions and Communal Tensions: The conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zomi communities has created deep mistrust and segregation, making governance difficult. A politics of “greater common good” would prioritize reconciliation and collective welfare over ethnic identity-based politics.
• Humanitarian Crisis and Governance Failures: Prolonged displacement, lack of adequate relief measures, and deteriorating healthcare require governance focused on inclusive development rather than ethnic-based power struggles.
  • Example: Over 58,000 displaced individuals are still in relief camps, struggling with food, water, and medical shortages due to lack of coordinated efforts.
• Economic and Social Stability: Manipur’s economic potential is hindered by violence, blockades, and an unstable law-and-order situation. A governance approach focused on the “greater common good” would foster investment, economic recovery, and social stability.

What are the steps taken by the Indian Government?  Imposition of President’s Rule: On February 13, 2025, Manipur was placed under President’s Rule following the resignation of Chief Minister. This decision was made due to nearly two years of ethnic violence and political turmoil that had resulted in over 250 deaths and widespread unrest. Suspension of the State Assembly: The state assembly has been put under suspended animation, which means it will not function until the situation stabilizes. This is the 11th instance of President’s Rule being imposed in Manipur since its statehood. Security Measures: The central government has directed security forces to take all necessary steps to restore order in Manipur. This includes deploying additional military and paramilitary forces to manage the fragile security situation, which has seen recent escalations in violence. Appointment of a Security Advisor: Following the invocation of Article 355 of the Indian Constitution, a security advisor was appointed to assist the Chief Minister in managing law and order. Investigation into Violence: The Ministry of Home Affairs has handed over important cases related to the violence to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for effective investigation, indicating a commitment to addressing the root causes of the unrest.

Way forward: 

• Inclusive Dialogue and Reconciliation: Establish a truth and reconciliation commission involving all ethnic communities to foster trust, address grievances, and create a roadmap for long-term peace and stability.
• Sustainable Development and Governance Reforms: Focus on infrastructure development, livelihood generation, and transparent governance to ensure equitable growth, reduce ethnic tensions, and rebuild public confidence in state institutions.