The outcome of the Lok Sabha elections surprised those who had relied on the flawed exit polls.
The visible message from the general elections of 2024 emphasized two main points:
Revival of Federalism: The elections underscored the importance of revitalizing federalism, moving away from the centralized control that had characterized the previous decade. It highlighted the need for state governments to have more autonomy and the ability to deliver public services without excessive interference from the central government.
Constructive and Inclusive Political Approach: The results indicated that political parties need to adopt a more constructive and inclusive approach to nation-building. This includes a stronger focus on social justice, addressing economic issues such as unemployment and low wages, and ensuring that policies cater to the needs and rights of various segments of the population, including youth, women, farmers, and workers. The electorate showed a preference for parties that prioritize livelihood and employment issues along with social justice.
Need to revive the Federalism
Decentralization of Power: Federalism ensures a more balanced distribution of power between the central and state governments. This decentralization allows states to manage their affairs more effectively, tailoring policies and programs to their specific needs and circumstances.
Enhanced Public Service Delivery: State governments are primarily responsible for delivering essential public services such as health, education, and infrastructure. A revived federalism would enable states to perform these functions without undue interference from the central government, leading to more efficient and responsive governance.
Cultural and Regional Autonomy: India is a diverse country with varied cultural, linguistic, and regional identities. Federalism respects and accommodates this diversity by allowing states to preserve and promote their unique identities and traditions within the framework of a united nation.
Political Parties need to be more constructive, and inclusive in their approach to nation-building
Addressing Economic Challenges: Parties must focus on pressing economic issues such as unemployment, low wages, and the rising cost of living. Constructive policies that create jobs, support small businesses, and address economic disparities are crucial for national progress.
Social Justice and Inclusion: Inclusivity involves addressing the needs and rights of marginalized and disadvantaged groups. This includes ensuring social justice for various castes, genders, and socio-economic backgrounds. Emphasizing social justice can help reduce inequality and promote a more cohesive society.
Responsive to Public Needs: Political parties need to listen to and address the genuine needs and concerns of the populace. This involves creating policies that reflect the realities faced by people in different regions and socio-economic conditions.
Conclusion: The 2024 Lok Sabha elections underscored the need for revitalized federalism and a constructive, inclusive political approach focused on economic issues and social justice to address diverse public needs effectively.
Mains PYQ
Q How far do you think cooperation, competition and confrontation have shaped the nature of federation in India? Cite some recent examples to validate your answer. (UPSC IAS/2020)
The” Indian Institute of Public Administration” evaluated the impact by gathering feedback from supervisors on recently trained staff, and reported enhanced proficiency in data analytics and e-governance tools.
Observations Assessed by the Indian Institute of Public Administration
Increased Proficiency: The Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) observed increased proficiency in data analytics and e-governance tools among recently trained staff.
Skill Development: Section officers and administration assistants across the country have completed 15 lakh online learning modules on data analytics, Government e Marketplace (GeM) modules, and advanced software tools like Excel, leading to enhanced skill levels.
Supervisor Feedback: Feedback from supervisors indicated noticeable improvements in the capabilities and efficiency of the trained staff, reflecting the positive impact of the training programs.
About Mission Karmayogi and Gati Shakti
Mission Karmayogi: Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this initiative aims to transform India’s three million civil servants into citizen-centric, future-ready, and result-oriented professionals. It includes digital training courses and the use of an online learning portal, iGOT Karmayogi Bharat.
Capacity Building Commission (CBC): Constituted in 2021, the CBC provides policy guidance and tools to enhance the capabilities of all levels of India’s civil services, collaborating with various ministries and training institutions.
PM Gati Shakti: This platform integrates legal and geographic layers to plan and execute mega infrastructure projects efficiently. It promotes a “whole of government” approach for de-siloed, harmonized national priorities.
Training and Certification: Over 24,000 officials have completed PM Gati Shakti learning modules, and over 3,88,000 personnel have been certified in emerging technologies through iGOT Karmayogi Bharat.
Issues and challenges
Resistance to Change: Bureaucracy often resists change due to a preference for the status quo, which can hinder the adoption of new approaches and technologies.
Shift from Generalist to Specialist Approach: Moving from generalist to specialist roles can encounter resistance despite the need for domain expertise, which may slow down the development of specialized skills.
Technical Governance Demands: Effective governance today requires technical proficiency, necessitating skilled personnel. The lack of such skills can hinder the effective implementation of the mission
What is Needed to Achieve the $30 Trillion Economy by 2047?
Improved Governance: Efficient and competent civil services are essential for achieving India’s ambitions. Civil servants must be trained to be citizen-centric, future-ready, and result-oriented.
Infrastructure Development: Speed up the construction of mega infrastructure projects such as railways and highways.Overcome delays caused by inter-ministerial permissions through integrated planning.
Skill Development and Training: Equip civil servants with skills in emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and Big Data. Ensure continuous learning and skill enhancement for civil servants through platforms like iGOT Karmayogi Bharat.
Citizen-Centric Approaches: Promote citizen-centric approaches among civil servants to improve public service delivery.Enhance the capacity of police personnel and other frontline workers to address citizen concerns effectively.
State and Municipal Roles: Strengthen the role of state governments and municipal corporations in delivering services and infrastructure.Implement capacity-building programs at the municipal level for better service delivery.
Tax System Reforms:Develop a tax system that is painless and rewards honest taxpayers. Train tax personnel to address systemic taxpayer grievances effectively.
Way forward:
Continuous Training and Development: Expand online learning platforms like iGOT Karmayogi Bharat to offer specialized courses in emerging technologies, leadership, and governance for civil servants at all levels.
Performance Evaluation and Feedback Mechanisms: Establish robust performance evaluation systems to assess the effectiveness of training programs and identify areas for improvement.
Mains PYQ:
Q Initially Civil Services in India were designed to achieve the goals of neutrality and effectiveness, which seems to be lacking in the present context. Do you agree with the view that drastic reforms are required in Civil Services. Comment (UPSC IAS/2017)
India’s general election results were surprising, defying exit poll predictions. Despite high economic growth, voters, especially informal workers earning under ₹10,000 monthly, expressed economic concerns.
About the 8% Real GDP Growth in FY24:
Growth Not Inclusive: The 8% real GDP growth has not reached the majority of the population, especially informal-sector workers.
Rural Wages: There’s a contraction in real rural wages, highlighting the dire state of the rural economy.
Income Inequality: High economic growth has not alleviated income inequality, which is reflected in the election results.
The Plight of Taking the Masses into Consideration:
Economic Concerns: Despite the hype around economic growth, voters expressed deep concerns over the state of the economy.
Low Incomes: Over 90% of informal-sector workers registered on the e-Shram portal have a monthly income of ₹10,000 or less.
Election Results: Voters in poorer states have different perceptions; some still support the incumbent government in the hope of better employment and future prospects.
Policy Priorities: The new government must prioritize creating employment opportunities and addressing the economic challenges faced by the masses.
CASE STUDY: Bangladesh:
Role of NGOs: In Bangladesh, NGOs have significantly contributed to social development, especially for women.
Employment Generation: NGOs have provided skilled women power to the apparel industry, enhancing employment opportunities.
NGOs in India: The NGO sector in India has faced scrutiny and high-handedness. The new government should collaborate with NGOs for development programs and employment generation activities.
The Centre has to Work Through the States for Reforms:
Agricultural Sector: With a significant workforce employed in agriculture but contributing minimally to the GVA, reforms in agriculture and allied sectors are essential.
Animal Husbandry and Fisheries: Encouraging growth in animal husbandry, fisheries, and poultry can provide additional income to farmers.
Employment in Other Sectors: To address the surplus workforce in agriculture, employment opportunities must be created in other sectors like textiles, leather, construction, and food processing.
Incentives for Investment: Correcting past policy mistakes and providing incentives for investment in key sectors is crucial.
Infrastructure Development: Improving infrastructure in smaller towns can boost the handicraft, tourism, and hospitality sectors, generating higher incomes and better market access.
Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC): Utilizing ONDC to provide new opportunities for craftsmen to access broader markets.
Government Vacancies: Filling government vacancies transparently can address educated unemployment and prevent demotivation among young people.
Conclusion: Develop schemes that specifically cater to informal-sector workers, ensuring they benefit from economic growth. This could include social security measures, skill development programs, and financial inclusion initiatives.
Mains PYQ:
Q ”Economic growth in the recent past has been led by increase in labour productivity.” Explain this statement. Suggest the growth pattern that will lead to creation of more jobs without compromising labour productivity. (UPSC IAS/2022)
Q) Starting from inventing the ‘basic structure’ doctrine, the judiciary has played a highly proactive role in ensuring that India develops into a thriving democracy. In light of the statement, evaluate the role played by judicial activism in achieving the ideals of democracy. (UPSC IAS/2014)
Q) The Supreme Court of India keeps a check on the arbitrary power of the Parliament in amending the Constitution. Discuss critically. (UPSC IAS/2013)
Note4Students:
Prelims: Article 300-A;
Mains: The decision of the Supreme Court in Kolkata Municipal Corporation;
Mentor comments: A frequently cited maxim regarding property rights is that of President John Adams, who stated, “Property is surely a right of mankind as real as liberty.” This notion of property as a fundamental right has undergone significant developments in the post-colonial era, with the right to property being fiercely contested between courts and the legislature.
Let’s learn
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Why in the News?
The recent Supreme Court decision in “Kolkata Municipal Corporation & Anr. v. Bimal Kumar Shah & Ors” has clarified that Article 300-A of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees that no person shall be deprived of their property except by authority of law, encompasses seven essential procedural sub-rights that must be protected during land acquisition.
Background
Origin: The genesis of the power struggle over the right to property in India dates back to the case of Bela Banerjee, which involved the interpretation of Articles 19(1)(f) and 31(2) of the Constitution before the amendment. The Supreme Court held that the word “compensation” in Article 31(2) implied a just equivalent of what the owner had been deprived of. To undo this interpretation, the Constitution (Fourth) Amendment was passed in 1955, amending Article 31(2) to explicitly state that courts could not question the adequacy of compensation.
Substituting the word “compensation” with “amount,”: they held that although the final compensation was non-justiciable, the principles fixed by the legislature to determine such compensation were open to scrutiny. Parliament realised that the word “compensation” in Article 31(2) was the source of the problem. The Constitution (Twenty-Fifth) Amendment Act, 1971, substituted the word “compensation” with “amount,” effectively keeping the courts from interpreting the adequacy of such “amount” through judicial review.
Supreme Court response: The validity of the Constitution (Twenty-Fifth) Amendment Act, 1971, was upheld in Kesavananda Bharati, but the Supreme Court watered down the intended effect of the amended Article 31(2) through an interpretive process. The majority in Kesavananda Bharati held that though the adequacy of the amount paid was not justiciable, the courts could still examine whether the principles fixed for determining such compensation were relevant, effectively reinstating what Justice Shah had said in the Bank Nationalisation Case. After this decision, Parliament was convinced that the Right to Property remained a thorn in the goal of achieving a socialist state, as it was seen as a citadel of the bourgeoisie.
Major changes:
Constitution (44th Amendment) Act, 1978: The Janata Party, which came to power after the 1977 general election, passed the Constitution (44th Amendment) Act, 1978. This amendment deleted Article 19(1)(f) and Article 31 from Part III of the Constitution and rehabilitated the right to property as a constitutional right under Article 300-A.
Right to property is not absolute: Article 300-A states that “no person shall be deprived of his property save by authority of law.” This provision emphasizes that the property right is not absolute and can be regulated by law.
Impact on the Right to Property: The deletion of Article 19(1)(f) and Article 31 led to a significant change in the Right to Property. The Right to Property was no longer a fundamental right, but a constitutional right that could be regulated by law.
The arguments in the favour of Right to property
Justice K.K. Mathew’s Observation: Justice K.K. Mathew, a dissenting judge in Kesavananda Bharati, believed that the right to own and acquire property was a fundamental right and should not have been excluded from the basic features of the Constitution.
Professor P.K. Tripathi’s Views: Professor P.K. Tripathi argued that the deletion of Article 31 was a mistake and that the Right to Property was still protected by Article 300-A. He believed that “compensation” in Article 300-A meant the market value of the property at the time of acquisition.
Supreme Court Interpretations: The Supreme Court has held that the Right to Property is not only a constitutional right but also a human right. In cases like M.C. Mehta and B.K. Ravichandra, the Court emphasized that laws depriving individuals of their property must be just, fair, and reasonable and that Article 300-A’s guarantee cannot be read down
The recent decision of the Supreme Court in Kolkata Municipal Corporation has fleshed out seven different facets which are protected under Article 300-A-
Seven Facets Protected:
The right to notice
The right to be heard
The right to a reasoned decision
The duty to acquire only for public purpose
The right of restitution or fair compensation
The right to an efficient and expeditious process
The right of conclusion
Right to Restitution or Fair Compensation: The Supreme Court has reiterated that a person deprived of land by the state in the exercise of its power of eminent domain is entitled to be paid compensation which is just and reasonable.
Position in the Bela Banerjee Case: The Court has judicially affirmed the position prevailing when the unamended Article 31 was in force, and the interpretation expounded in the Bela Banerjee case on the aspect of payment of compensation.
Protection of Property: The decision in Kolkata Municipal Corporation vindicates the prophetic words of Prof. P.K. Tripathi, that in enacting the Forty-Fourth Amendment and deleting Articles 19(1)(f) and 31, Parliament has unwittingly given the property of a citizen the kind of protection it has never enjoyed before either in British or in independent India
Way forward:
Ensure that the acquisition process is transparent and follows the prescribed procedures outlined in the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, and the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.
Ensure that the procedures are documented and easily accessible to all stakeholders.
With growing health disparities and inconsistent access to medical services, the need for fair and sustainable healthcare policies has never been more pressing.
Private Healthcare System in India
Private hospitals in India, especially those accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI) and National Accreditation Board for Hospitals (NABH), are hubs of specialised care and innovation.
These institutions invest heavily in top-tier infrastructure and advanced technologies, significantly enhancing patient outcomes, particularly in complex procedures. Integration of telemedicine and remote care is common, broadening access and building patient trust.
Price Caps, Quality, and Innovation
Affordability vs. Quality: The Supreme Court’s deliberation on standardising medical procedure rates across government and private sectors highlights the tension between affordability and quality. A study indicates a 15% increase in patient dissatisfaction in hospitals under financial pressure from price caps
Impact on Innovation: Price caps could slow the development of new treatments and technologies, particularly in high-investment fields like cancer research and robotic surgery. Value-based pricing, where payments reflect health outcomes rather than service volume, is proposed as a potential solution.
Economic Implications: Properly implemented rate standardisation can alleviate healthcare disparities but must avoid destabilising providers’ economic health. Dynamic pricing models, which adjust based on medical complexity and patient financial status, are recommended. Thailand’s tiered pricing system is cited as a successful example.
Legal and regulatory challenges
No regulation on Rate Fixation: States like Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu have identified significant gaps in the provisions for rate fixation, indicating a need for more robust legal frameworks to ensure fair and standardised pricing across different regions.
Inadequate Laws as per Local Conditions: Current laws may not adequately consider local demographic and economic conditions, necessitating reforms that allow for more customised approaches to healthcare cost management.
Lack in uniform regulation: Moreover,” the Clinical Establishment Act of 2011″, aimed at setting standards for quality, transparency, and accountability, has been adopted by only a few states, and its implementation remains lax. This lack of uniform regulation allows for wide disparities in service costs and quality.
Role of Data in Shaping Policies
Data-Driven Insights: Predictive analytics can foresee the long-term impacts of rate fixation on healthcare innovations, helping policymakers adjust regulations to encourage innovation and accessibility.
Pilot Projects: Implementing pilot projects in select districts can gauge the impact of rate caps on healthcare quality and innovation.
Way Forward
Balanced Pricing Models: Implement value-based pricing where payments are linked to health outcomes rather than the volume of services provided.
Supporting Innovation: Allocate government subsidies and grants for research and development in private hospitals.
Mains PYQ
Q Appropriate local community-level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain. (UPSC IAS/2018)
India has become chair of the regional grouping “Colombo Process” for the first time since its inception in 2003.
What isthe Colombo Process?
The Colombo Process, established on March 19, 2003, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is a regional consultative initiative addressing challenges faced by migrant workers from South and Southeast Asia.
Objective:
Primary Goal: The Colombo Process aims to enhance the management of contractual labour migration from Asian countries.
Focus: It seeks to safeguard the rights and welfare of migrant workers while maximizing the benefits of labour migration for both sending and receiving countries.
The Process is non-binding and decision-making is by consensus.
Membership:
Initial Composition: Initially comprising 11 member countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Expansion: The Process has since expanded to include additional countries like Cambodia and Myanmar.
Five Thematic Area Working Groups (TAWGs) i.e.
Skills and Qualification Recognition (chaired by Sri Lanka);
Fostering Ethical Recruitment (chaired by Bangladesh);
Pre-Departure Orientation and Empowerment (chaired by the Philippines);
Remittances (chaired by Pakistan) and
Labour Market Analysis (chaired by Thailand).
Key Focus Areas:
Policy Development: Addressing various aspects of labour migration, including policy development, capacity building, data collection, and sharing best practices.
Rights Protection: Ensuring the protection of migrant workers’ rights, skills recognition, ethical recruitment, and combating human trafficking and irregular migration.
Activities and Initiatives:
Dialogue Platforms: Regular meetings, conferences, and workshops serve as platforms for dialogue and cooperation among member countries.
Guidelines and Toolkits: Development of guidelines, toolkits, and policy frameworks to assist member countries in effectively managing labour migration.
Collaboration: Collaboration with international organizations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to implement joint initiatives and projects.
PYQ:
[2022] ‘India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in light of the preceding statement.
Q Public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that the private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest? (UPSC IAS/2015)
Q The increase in life expectancy in the country has led to newer health challenges in the community. What are those challenges and what steps need to be taken to meet them? (UPSC IAS/2022)
Mentor Comment: Health insurance, now central to India’s UHC policy, is being enhanced by digital advancements, enabling reforms akin to the U.S. but with cost-effective local adaptations. A South Indian healthcare chain recently integrated insurance and care provision, forming an Indian-style MCO. This prompts reflection on MCOs’ potential to extend universal health care in India significantly.
Let’s learn_ _
Why in the news?
Universal healthcare poses a multifaceted challenge, yet managed care organizations may offer a piece of the solution that Indian healthcare requires.
What is a Managed Care Organization?
A Managed Care Organization (MCO) is a health care company or a health plan that is focused on managed care as a model to limit costs, while keeping quality of care high.
The background of Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) in the United States and India:
Evolution of MCOs in the United States:
MCOs have their origins in rudimentary prepaid healthcare practices in the 20th century.
The mainstreaming of MCOs gained momentum in the 1970s due to concerns over healthcare costs.The economic slowdown post-1970s made high insurance premiums less attractive to purchasers.
A shift occurred towards integrating insurance and healthcare provisioning functions. Focus areas included prevention, early management, and cost control, all under a fixed premium paid by enrollees.
MCOs have evolved through multiple generations and forms, deeply penetrating the health insurance market. While evidence of their effectiveness in improving health outcomes and prioritizing preventive care is mixed, they have been effective in reducing costly hospitalizations and associated costs.
Evolution of MCOs in India:
The first public commercial health insurance emerged in the 1980s.The focus has primarily been on indemnity insurance and covering hospitalization costs.
There is a significant market for outpatient consultations, valued at nearly $26 billion.
Health insurance in India has traditionally lagged behind life and general insurance. The sector faces issues such as lack of innovation and high, often unsustainable, operational costs.
As per Thomas (2011), Health insurance has played a secondary role to other forms of insurance. The industry’s operational inefficiencies and high costs have been persistent issues.
Challenges in India:
Lack of Natural Incentives for Cost Control: The evolutionary trajectory of Indian health insurance has not incentivized consumer-driven cost control.
Target Demographic: Health insurance has mainly targeted a thin, urban, well-off segment, neglecting broader demographics.
Informality in Outpatient Practices: There is widespread informality among outpatient practices, complicating efforts to standardize and regulate care.
Lack of Clinical Protocols: The absence of widely accepted clinical protocols hampers the quality and consistency of care.
Economic Viability: Unprofitable operations and unaffordable premiums pose significant economic challenges, preventing sustainable growth and systemic improvement.
Limited Impact on UHC: Private initiatives, despite their potential, are unlikely to significantly contribute to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) without public support.
Insufficient Control Over Patient Journeys: Health insurers have little control over the patient’s journey before hospitalization, limiting their ability to manage early interventions and reduce costs through comprehensive outpatient care.
Prospective Solutions and Remaining Issues:
Potential for Big Healthcare Brands: Large healthcare brands with loyal urban patient bases and substantial resources may initiate successful managed care projects.
Need for Public Patronage: Exploring managed care with cautious and incremental public patronage could be promising, indicating a need for government involvement to achieve broader impacts.
Underutilization of Outpatient Insurance: Given the low share of insurance in outpatient care spending and the average of three consultations per year per person, there is significant potential to reduce healthcare costs through early interventions and comprehensive outpatient care coverage.
NITI Aayog Report:
Outpatient care insurance scheme: In 2021, NITI Aayog released a report advocating for an outpatient care insurance scheme based on a subscription model to enhance savings through improved care integration.
Yield significant benefits: A well-functioning managed care system can yield significant benefits, including consolidating practices, streamlining management protocols, and emphasizing preventive care in the private sector.
Catering for the beneficiaries of PMJAY: The report highlights the potential of incentives under the Ayushman Bharat Mission to encourage the establishment of hospitals in underserved areas catering to beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY).
Conclusion: While Managed Care Organizations are not a perfect solution, they can play a role in addressing the complexities of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in India by being part of a broader strategy.
Studies conducted by researchers from “the Paris School of Economics” indicate that inequality in contemporary India surpasses that of colonial times.
How does Inequality harm Democratic processes?
Concentration of Power: Inequality can lead to the concentration of monopoly power among a few capitalists relative to the labor force. This concentration allows dominant business groups to set prices, resulting in lower real wages and reduced purchasing power for the majority.
Impact on Consumption and Welfare: High inequality can negatively impact consumption and welfare due to higher mark-ups and lower real wages.
Lower real wages mean that workers can afford fewer goods, which reduces overall consumption and welfare.
Effect on Democratic Processes: Economic inequality can translate into unequal political power, undermining democratic processes.
Those with significant wealth can have disproportionate influence over political decisions, policies, and elections, leading to governance that favours the wealthy over the general populace.
How Redistribution and Growth Can Work Together
Wealth Taxes and Redistribution: Taxing wealth and redistributing it can enhance economic growth by increasing incomes and consumption among the lower and middle classes, who have a higher propensity to consume.
Multiplier Effect: Redistribution can strengthen the multiplier effect, where an initial increase in investment leads to a greater overall increase in income and consumption. Higher incomes among workers and goods-sellers lead to more purchases, driving further economic activity and growth.
Investment and Profit Expectations: Investment is driven by future profit expectations rather than past wealth. Therefore, taxing wealth does not necessarily reduce investment.
Creation of New Entrepreneurs: Redistribution can support the emergence of new entrepreneurs by providing financial resources and reducing dependence on wage employment. This can foster innovation and competition, further contributing to economic growth.
Curtailing Monopolies: Reducing monopolistic power through redistribution and other policy measures can lower prices and increase real wages. Higher real wages boost demand, leading to increased investment and economic expansion.
Conclusion: Addressing inequality through redistribution can promote inclusive growth, empowering marginalized communities and advancing progress towards a more equitable society, essential for fulfilling SDG Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
Mains PYQ:
Q How did land reforms in some parts of the country help to improve the socio-economic conditions of marginal and small farmers? (UPSC IAS/2021)
Mains: Q) The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has been a continuous ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth century. Discuss with examples. (UPSC CSE 2022) Q) In the context of the diversity of India, can it be said that the regions form cultural units rather than the states? Give reasons with examples for your viewpoint. (UPSC CSE 2017)
Note4Students:
Prelims: State Reorganization Acts;
Mains: Governance Issues; Regional Disparities; State Reorganization;
Mentor comment: In India, the phenomenon of ‘Regional Disparity’ has been a persistent challenge since independence, with some regions experiencing rapid growth while others lag. These disparities manifest in various forms, such as differences in culture and language, per capita income, access to infrastructure development. The same case evolved in 1956 in the form of ‘state reorganization’ on the linguistic lines. Andhra Pradesh was the first state in India after independence to be formed on a linguistic basis. However, after 2014 bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh into – Andhra Pradesh and Telangana created new governance and political doubts in the minds of policy makers. The question is now whether the organization of states should be on a linguistic basis or an administrative basis.
The bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh which took during 2014 has led to a significant decline in nostalgia (the pain from an old wound) for the shared history of the two regions. People from both sides are now moving on, with little emotional attachment to their past unity.
Let’s learn.
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Why in the News?
On June 2, 2024, 10 years will be completed for the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. At the 10th year, Hyderabad ceases to be the common capital of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
However, several critical issues related to various corporations and common institutions between residuary Andhra Pradesh and the new state of Telangana still need to be solved.
About the AP Reorganization Act of 2014:
The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill, 2014 was introduced in Lok Sabha on February 13, 2014, by the Minister for Home Affairs, Mr. Sushil Kumar Shinde.
The Bill also proposes consequential amendments to The Representation of the People Act, 1950, the Delimitation of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies Order, 2008, and the First and Fourth schedule of the Constitution of India.
What were the provisions led under the APR Act, of 2014?
Formation of Telangana: The Bill carves out a separate state called ‘Telangana’ comprising 10 districts of the existing state of ‘Andhra Pradesh’. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will have a common capital, Hyderabad, for 10 years. After this period, Hyderabad shall be the capital of Telangana only.
Role of Governor: The Governor of the existing state of Andhra Pradesh shall be the common Governor for both states for a period determined by the President. As part of the administration, he shall be responsible for (i) security of life, liberty, and property, (ii) law and order, (iii) internal security, (iv) security of vital installations, and (v) management and allocation of government buildings.
Representation in Parliament: After the bifurcation, Andhra Pradesh will have 11 seats in Rajya Sabha, and Telangana will have 7. In Lok Sabha, Andhra Pradesh will have 25 seats and Telangana will have 17 seats.
Representation in the Legislative Assembly and Council: The total number of seats in the Legislative Assembly for Andhra Pradesh will be 175, and for Telangana will be 119. Further, the Governor may nominate one member each, from the Anglo-Indian community to the LAs of the successor states. The Legislative Council (L.C.) of Andhra Pradesh will have a maximum of 50 members, and Telangana, 40 members.
High Court: The High Court at Hyderabad shall be the common High Court for the successor states for some time. Following this, it shall become the High Court for the state of Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh shall get a new High Court.
Revenue Distribution: The resources allocated by the 13th Finance Commission to the existing state of Andhra Pradesh will be apportioned between the two successor states based on population ratio and other parameters.
Treasury and bank balances: The cash and credit balances of the existing state of Andhra Pradesh will be divided between the two successor states based on population ratio by adjusting the credit balances of the two states in the books of the Reserve Bank of India.
Polavaram Irrigation Project: The central government will execute the irrigation project in consultation with the governments of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Centre’s assistance for police forces: The central government will assist the two successor states in raising additional police forces. The Greyhound and OCTOPUS forces of the existing state of Andhra Pradesh shall be re-distributed between the two successor states.
The Message from the Andhra Pradesh Bifurcation:
Regional Economic Disparities (Economic): The economic disparities between the two regions have not been bridged, with Telangana outperforming Andhra Pradesh in terms of per capita GSDP. This gap has remained relatively constant over the years.
Urban centers and their surrounding districts are contributing a larger chunk of state revenues, while the agricultural-based regions’ share is negligible.
However, the GCRs (Gini Coefficient Ratio) decreased in sectoral district domestic production for all three sectors (Agriculture, industry, and services). The Gini coefficient is often used to measure income inequality.
Question on Regional Fault Lines (Administrative): The bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh has exposed regional fault lines, including political, historical, and lifestyle differences.
The two regions were under different political authorities for 150 years. During the late medievals, the Nizam gave away the ‘coastal’ and the ‘ceded’ districts (Rayalaseema district) to the European powers.
They were ruled from Golconda and Hyderabad for a long time. However, after the independence, they were together after 1956 (the creation of the first state on a linguistic basis).
Such parting of ways has not yet happened with the Kannada-speaking area of the Nizam’s Hyderabad State, nor did it happen as yet with its Marathi-speaking area.
Therefore, the question arises, of unity based on language being frailer compared to those of the shared visions of Kannada and Marathi elites.
Challenges around the Federal and Future Scope:
Future of Centre-State Relations: The distribution of political power in the central legislature could become a point of friction among states, particularly if there are changes in delimitation that favor certain regions.
Andhra Pradesh had 42 Lok Sabha seats and was the largest State in south India. But now, with a mere 25 seats, it is smaller than Tamil Nadu which has 39 seats, and Karnataka which has 28 seats. Telangana, with 17 seats, is smaller than Kerala, thus becoming fifth in the pecking order in the south.
In our federal structure, numbers do matter but grossly unequal sizes among the units can render some regions irrelevant and others more relevant in deciding who holds power at the Centre. This may result in undesirable strains in the federal structure of our Republic.
Future of Linguistic States: Andhra Pradesh, in its first five years after the division, got bogged down in its attempt to build for itself as a ‘world-class’ capital, that would overcome the loss of Hyderabad. The next five years were consumed by profligate Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) welfarism.
Therefore, the Indian Republic may need to look for alternative organizing principles, such as size or population.
Conclusion: The government needs to underscore the importance of federalism in addressing regional disparities and promoting more inclusive governance. The experience of Andhra Pradesh bifurcation offers valuable lessons for policymakers, highlighting the need to address regional disparities and adapt governance structures to changing regional dynamics.
The Koya tribe in Andhra Pradesh is facing a cultural crisis due to stricter liquor regulations enforced by the Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB).
About Koya tribe
Koya are one of the few multi-racial and multi-lingual tribal communities in India.
They live in the forests, plains, and valleys on both sides of the Godavari River which lies in Andhra Pradesh. Many also live in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Orissa.
They believe their main deity still resides in a cave in the Bastar region.
Cultural Crisis (Disruption of Traditions):
Mahua liquor is brewed from the flowers of the Mahua tree which is integral to Koya cultural and religious ceremonies including naming ceremonies, weddings, and death anniversaries.
Police raids and seizures of Mahua liquor disrupt these traditions causing cultural shocks within the community. For example, recently the naming ceremony of Madakam Janakamma’s child was held without Mahua liquor due to SEB raids.
Tribal Rights (Legal Challenges and Rights):
The Andhra Pradesh Prohibition Act, 1995, does not exempt the Koya tribe from brewing and storing Mahua liquor, despite its cultural significance.
The Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), 1996empowers the gram sabha to protect tribal traditions and culture but its implementation is questionable as SEB raids continue unabated.
Koya villagers are often coerced into paying bribes to avoid legal charges, highlighting the tension between law enforcement and tribal rights.
Impact on Collection(Economic Consequences):
Many Koya households have ceased Mahua flower collection due to fear of police raids, significantly affecting their primary source of income.
Destruction of freshly collected flowers during raids further disincentivizes collection, reducing the supply of Mahua flowers to weekly markets (shandies) where they are exchanged for essential goods.
Guardians of Culture (Preservation of Heritage):
The Koya tribe, especially those not displaced by the Polavaram irrigation project, are seen as custodians of their culture. However, displacement and integration with non-tribal communities threaten their cultural identity.
Local leaders and activists argue for the need to empower Koya women with training in producing value-added products from Mahua flowers, rather than undermining their traditional practices and economic activities.
Legal and Policy Measures
Amend the Andhra Pradesh Prohibition Act, 1995: Introduce exemptions or special provisions that recognize and protect the traditional brewing and usage of Mahua liquor for cultural and religious purposes by the Koya tribe.
Strengthen Implementation of PESA Act: Ensure that the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), 1996, is fully implemented. Empower Gram Sabhas to have a greater say in protecting tribal traditions, including the brewing of Mahua liquor.
Conclusion: The enforcement actions by the SEB, while aimed at regulating liquor, pose a significant threat to the Koya tribe’s cultural heritage and economic well-being. Balancing legal regulations with respect for tribal traditions and rights is crucial to preserving the Koya way of life.
Mains PYQ:
Q What are the two major legal initiatives by state since Independence, addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (ST) ? (UPSC IAS/2017)
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