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Electoral Reforms In India

[22nd August 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Poll integrity and self-sabotage, parties and the ECI

op-ed snap | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution - historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

PYQ Relevance

[UPSC 2019] On what grounds a people’s representative can be disqualified under the Representation of People Act, 1951? Also mention the remedies available to such person against his disqualification.

Linkage: The Representation of People Act, 1951 provides the legal foundation for ensuring free and fair elections, including grounds for disqualification such as corrupt practices, electoral offences, and irregularities. The issue of flawed electoral rolls and voter fraud, as highlighted in this article, connects directly with the broader framework of the RPA. While the Act prescribes remedies against wrongful disqualification, its effectiveness depends heavily on accurate voter lists, active oversight by parties, and neutrality of the ECI. Thus, the credibility of electoral rolls is not only an administrative concern but also a legal and constitutional safeguard under the RPA, 1951.

Mentor’s comments

India’s democracy depends not just on strong institutions but also on the integrity of political actors. The ongoing debate around flawed electoral rolls, the role of the Election Commission of India (ECI), and political parties’ complicity exposes serious challenges. This article unpacks how poll integrity is being compromised and how both parties and the ECI are shaping voter trust.

Introduction

Electoral rolls are the backbone of free and fair elections, yet duplicate entries, ghost names, and ineligible voters continue to mar them. These flaws enable impersonation and multiple voting, weakening public faith in the system. While the ECI faces criticism, political parties too are responsible for neglecting local structures and prioritising short-term electoral wins.

The contrast is sharp: In the 1990s under T.N. Seshan, the ECI was hailed as a global model of electoral probity. Today, suspicion surrounds the institution, raising doubts about whether both the ECI and political parties are failing in their constitutional roles.

The Fall of the Election Commission’s Credibility

  1. From Trust to Suspicion: Once among India’s most trusted institutions, the ECI’s opacity and lack of accountability now fuel mistrust.
  2. Contrast with the Past: T.N. Seshan’s tenure saw strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, monitoring of expenses, and the EPIC system to curb bogus voting.
  3. Present Decline: Instead of fixing flawed rolls, the ECI made inspections harder, deepening suspicion over its neutrality.

How Political Parties Weakened Themselves

  1. Shift from Ground to Tech: Local campaigns with house visits and meetings are being replaced by social media, phone calls, AI tools, creating an illusion of connection.
  2. Reliance on Consultants: Campaign strategy and candidate selection now rest with professional consultants, centralising power and weakening grassroots.
  3. Neglect of Local Cadres: Once the backbone of political parties, local workers are sidelined, leaving little vigilance against electoral fraud.

The Booth Level Agent System and Its Vulnerabilities

  1. Role of BLAs: Booth Level Agents (BLAs) are meant to be the vital link between voters, parties, and the ECI by verifying draft rolls.
  2. Safeguards in Place: Rules cap BLAs at 10 applications a day; exceeding 30 requires personal verification by officers.
  3. Failures in Practice: Cases like Mahadevapura (Karnataka) reveal inactive BLAs, manipulations, and possible bias, showing safeguards are poorly enforced.

Opportunities for Political Redemption

  1. Reviving Local Units: The crisis is a chance for parties to strengthen grassroots structures, not just depend on consultants.
  2. Kerala’s Example: Parties there are now diligently flagging duplicate voters and multiple IDs during local elections.
  3. Historical Warning: Weak grassroots units once undermined land reforms post-Independence; neglect today risks hollowing out democracy again.

The Deeper Democratic Implications

  1. Beyond Elections: Roll revisions, though routine, are crucial to maintaining democratic fairness.
  2. Erosion of Trust: Prioritising short-term electoral gains over constitutional values leaves institutions hollow.
  3. Democracy at Risk: Weak local organisations and complicit institutions together may end up surrendering democracy itself.

Conclusion

The integrity of India’s democracy depends not just on robust institutions but also on vigilant political participation at the grassroots. The ECI must reclaim its credibility by ensuring transparency, while political parties must revive their local cadres to safeguard electoral rolls. Without these corrective steps, the erosion of trust may reach a tipping point where democracy is hollowed out from within.

Value Addition

T.N. Seshan’s Reforms in the 1990s

  1. Strict Enforcement of MCC – First CEC to rigorously implement the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), curbing misuse of official machinery.
  2. Curbing Electoral Malpractices – Took action against bribery, muscle power, and use of religion/caste in campaigns.
  3. Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) – Introduced voter ID cards to check bogus voting.
  4. Monitoring Poll Expenditure – Set strict limits on candidate expenses and ensured scrutiny of accounts.
  5. Independent Authority of ECI – Asserted autonomy of the Election Commission, making it a powerful guardian of free and fair elections.
  6. Public Trust Restored – Citizen surveys during the 1990s ranked ECI among the most credible institutions.

Why it matters: T.N. Seshan’s tenure is often cited as the “gold standard” of electoral probity, offering a benchmark against which today’s decline in trust and credibility is judged.

Mapping Microthemes

  1. GS Paper II (Polity & Governance): Electoral integrity, role of ECI, political accountability.
  2. GS Paper I (History & Society): Weakening of grassroots political movements.
  3. GS Paper III (Technology): Impact of AI-driven campaigns and professional consultants.
  4. GS Paper IV (Ethics): Institutional neutrality, self-restraint, erosion of trust.

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Foreign Policy Watch: India-China

Amid the disruptions unleashed by the US President Trump, should India rethink its engagement with China, and to what extent?

Explained | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Effect Of Policies & Politics Of World On India'S Interests

Introduction

The India-China equation has once again come into focus with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s recent visit to India. Coming at a time when Donald Trump’s unpredictable moves are reshaping US–China relations and India faces pressure over its Russian oil purchases, the visit is being viewed as a tactical outreach by Beijing. For the first time since the Galwan clash, both sides agreed on a 10-point understanding, from reopening border trade points to restarting stalled dialogues. Yet, beneath the gestures of cooperation, deep mistrust lingers: unresolved tensions in Ladakh, Beijing’s quiet backing of Pakistan, and economic vulnerabilities that India cannot ignore. The central question remains, is this the start of a cautious reset, or will rivalry continue to define the relationship?

Current State of India-China Relationship

  • A Cautious Thaw: Signs of easing after years of strain post-2020 Galwan clashes. The visit of Chinese Foreign Minister and the expected Modi–Xi meeting at the SCO summit reflect cautious engagement.
  • Unfinished Border Business: 
    1. Unfinished disengagement: Restrictions continue on Indian troop patrolling and herdsmen grazing in Ladakh buffer zones.
    2. De-escalation talks: Both sides have now agreed to discuss principles and modalities of de-escalation, but with little progress so far.
    3. Historical baggage: From the 1962 war to Doklam and Galwan, border issues repeatedly resurface as the defining irritant.
  • Persistent Trust Deficit: India remains wary of China’s military links with Pakistan, dam projects on the Brahmaputra, and use of economic dependencies such as rare-earths and critical technologies as leverage.

China–Pakistan Axis and India’s Security Concerns

  1. Operation Sindoor 2025: China provided Pakistan with real-time ISR, command-and-control integration, and advanced weaponry.
  2. Extended theatre: While not directly engaging militarily, China’s operational support widened the conflict spectrum.
  3. Strategic consequences: India now faces a two-front dynamic made more acute by China’s active involvement.

Trade Dependence Shaping Geopolitical Weakness

  1. Weaponisation of dependencies: China has denied India supplies of rare-earth magnets, fertilisers, tunnel-boring machines.
  2. Industrial impact: Foxconn withdrew hundreds of Chinese technicians under pressure from Beijing.
  3. Hydropower concerns: A massive dam, thrice the size of Three Gorges, threatens India’s lower riparian interests.

Can tactical outreach substitute for structural resolution?

  1. Wang Yi’s visit: Led to a 10-point understanding including resumption of flights, border trade, and talks on border issues.
  2. Tactical gestures: China seeks to ease tensions but has not offered substantive concessions on India’s concerns.
  3. India’s position: PM Modi emphasised the need for “stable, predictable and constructive” relations, but only grounded in realism.

Why outright conflict remains unlikely

  1. Geographical constraints: The Himalayas pose immense logistical challenges for a sustained full-scale war.
  2. China’s strategic calculus: Since 1979, Beijing has avoided wars to focus on economic growth.
  3. Cost of conflict: War with India risks derailing China’s “great power” ambitions vis-à-vis the US.

The limits of aligning with China against the US

  1. US factor: Trump’s inconsistent China policy has unsettled India’s geopolitical calculations.
  2. Chinese spin: Beijing portrayed India as siding with it against “unilateral bullying” (implicitly the US).
  3. MEA clarification: India reaffirmed no change in its One-China policy stance, signalling caution.

Way Forward

  1. Strengthen Border Posture: Accelerate infrastructure and surveillance along LAC to counter tactical surprises.
  2. Diversify Dependencies: Invest in domestic capacity for critical minerals, semiconductors, and rare earths.
  3. Engage but Verify: Continue talks on de-escalation and economic ties, but measure outcomes, not promises.
  4. Diplomatic Balancing: Maintain strategic autonomy while leveraging QUAD, SCO, BRICS without being trapped in binaries.
  5. Water Security Mechanisms: Push for institutionalised basin-sharing frameworks on Brahmaputra with multilateral backing.

Conclusion

The India-China relationship sits at a crossroads. While tactical outreach such as Wang Yi’s visit creates openings for engagement, the structural drivers of mistrust remain too deep for a true reset. India cannot overlook the challenges of border tensions, economic weaponisation, and China-Pakistan collusion. At the same time, the high costs of conflict and shared economic interests provide space for pragmatic management. The way forward lies in carefully calibrated diplomacy, neither falling into the trap of confrontation nor harbouring illusions of a reset.

PYQ Relevance

[UPSC 2017] ‘China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as a tool to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour.

Linkage: China’s growing economic leverage over Pakistan, seen in CPEC and debt dependence, is increasingly shaping a strategic-military partnership. This aligns with the UPSC 2017 theme of economic tools being converted into hard power. For India, this intensifies security challenges on both borders and limits regional strategic space.

Mapping microthemes

  1. GS Paper II (IR): India-China relations, India-US-China triangle, border disputes, strategic autonomy.
  2. GS Paper III (Security): Two-front challenge, defence preparedness, technology denial regimes.
  3. GS Paper IV (Ethics): Diplomacy, realpolitik vs idealism in foreign policy.

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Governor vs. State

Should SC sit powerless as Governors block Bills: CJI 

Explained | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Federalism

Introduction 

The Supreme Court recently questioned whether it should remain passive when Governors indefinitely withhold assent to Bills, stalling elected legislatures. This issue, highlighted by Tamil Nadu’s Bills pending for four years, raises fundamental questions about judicial review, federalism, and democratic accountability.

Why in the News

Tamil Nadu’s unprecedented case of Bills pending for years has brought the Governor’s discretionary powers under sharp scrutiny. The Supreme Court’s April 8 judgment imposing time limits on Governors is now contested by the Union as judicial overreach, sparking a crucial debate on separation of powers.

Why does the role of Governors come under scrutiny

  1. Governor’s Inaction: Governors, appointed by the Union, are integral to State legislatures, yet their indefinite withholding of Bills undermines State autonomy.
  2. Tamil Nadu Example: Crucial Bills remained pending for nearly four years without reasons being communicated, sparking judicial concern.
  3. Democratic Will Thwarted: Prolonged silence from Governors makes elected legislatures ineffective.

How has the Supreme Court responded

  1. CJI’s Question: Should the Court suspend its role as custodian of the Constitution while Governors block Bills indefinitely?
  2. Judicial Review Precedent: The Court has struck down even constitutional amendments (e.g., 42nd Amendment) that sought to limit judicial review.
  3. Concern of Vacuum: Justice P.S. Narasimha highlighted the risk of Bills hanging in limbo without timelines.

What is the Union Government’s stand

  1. Encroachment Argument: Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta argued the Court’s April 8 order intruded into law-making, undermining Governors and the President.
  2. Political Resolution: Inaction, according to the Union, should be resolved politically, not judicially.
  3. Governor’s Unique Role: Unlike statutory authorities, Governors hold sui generis constitutional status, not bound by timelines.

Why is the tussle between judiciary and executive significant

  1. Separation of Powers: Union argues judiciary must not micro-manage executive discretion.
  2. Checks and Balances: CJI asserted that unchecked gubernatorial delay undermines democracy, and the Court cannot abdicate review.
  3. Democratic Accountability: Legislators face people every five years; Governors do not. Hence judicial review is necessary.

What are the implications for federalism

  1. Centre–State Tensions: Delays fuel mistrust between States and the Union.
  2. Judicial Intervention: Without court oversight, States may face legislative logjams.
  3. Limited Litigation: Union argues only “two or three States” have complained, but the principle has pan-India significance.

Way Forward: A structured framework for assent is necessary to prevent legislative paralysis. The Supreme Court’s suggested timelines strike a balance between constitutional discretion and democratic accountability. Moving ahead, three steps are essential:

  1. Codifying Timelines: Parliament may consider amending the law or issuing guidelines to institutionalise clear deadlines.
  2. Ensuring Accountability: Governors must act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, barring exceptional constitutional reasons.
  3. Judicial Oversight as Safeguard: Courts should step in only when gubernatorial inaction undermines constitutional morality, keeping political disputes largely within the legislative sphere.

Conclusion

Unchecked gubernatorial inaction risks turning elected assemblies powerless. While the Union calls for political remedies, the Court stresses its duty as constitutional guardian. The outcome will redefine the balance between State autonomy, judicial review, and the Governor’s role in India’s federal framework.

Value Addition

Timeline for Governor’s action on bills

While the Constitution of India doesn’t explicitly state a timeline, the Supreme Court has addressed the issue of delays in Governor’s assent, particularly in the context of recent conflicts between Governors and state governments.

Based on a recent Supreme Court ruling (April 2025) and subsequent discussions, here’s a breakdown of the suggested timelines for the Governor’s actions on a Bill under Article 200 of the Constitution:

  1. Granting Assent, Withholding Assent (with advice of Council of Ministers), or Reserving for President’s Consideration: The Governor must act on the bill within a maximum of one month.
  2. Withholding Assent (against advice of Council of Ministers): The Governor should return the bill to the legislature with reasons for reconsideration within three months.
  3. Reserving for President’s Consideration (against advice of Council of Ministers): The Governor must reserve the bill within three months.
  4. Reconsideration by the Legislature: If the Governor returns a non-Money Bill for reconsideration, the legislature must reconsider it, and if it’s passed again (with or without amendments), the Governor is then bound to give assent within one month.

PYQ Relevance

[UPSC 2022] Discuss the essential conditions for exercise of the legislative powers by the Governor. Discuss the legality of re-promulgation of ordinances by the Governor without placing them before the Legislature.

 

Linkage: This issue links directly with the 2022 UPSC question as both highlight the constitutional checks on the Governor’s legislative powers. The re-promulgation of ordinances without legislative approval undermines democratic accountability. Hence, examining Governor’s ordinance powers is central to debates on federalism and executive overreach.

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Goods and Services Tax (GST)

Simplified two-rate GST Structure

Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

Why in the News?

  • The Group of Ministers (GoM) on Rate Rationalisation has accepted the Centre’s proposal to simplify GST into a two-rate structure.
  • The recommendation will now be placed before the GST Council for final approval.

https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/gom-on-rate-rationalisation-approves-centres-two-rate-gst-proposal/article69959558.ece 

About Goods and Services Tax (GST):

  • Nature: Comprehensive, multi-stage, destination-based indirect tax on goods and services.
  • Introduction: Launched July 1, 2017, via the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016.
  • Replaced Taxes: Subsumed excise duty, value-added tax (VAT), service tax, etc.
  • Objectives: One Nation–One Tax, reduce cascading taxation, simplify compliance, expand tax base.
  • Structure: Five slabs – 0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, 28%, with cess on luxury/sin goods (tobacco, cars, online gaming).
  • Exemptions: Essential goods (food, medicines, education items) in 0% slab. Petroleum, alcohol, and electricity remain outside GST.

Proposed Two-Rate GST Structure:

  • Reforms: Removal of 12% and 28% slabs; only 5% and 18% to remain.
  • Reclassification: 99% of 12% items → 5% slab; 90% of 28% items → 18% slab.
  • New Slab: 40% rate for demerit goods (tobacco, luxury cars, real-money gaming).
  • Cess: Compensation cess on 28% items to end.
  • Timeline: Implementation expected October 2025 (Diwali).

Policy Rationale & Concerns:

  • Simplification: From four slabs to two, easing compliance and transparency.
  • Consumption Boost: Lower rates on daily goods to benefit households and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
  • Compliance Gains: Less scope for disputes, litigation, and evasion.
  • Economic Signal: Projects confidence in domestic consumption as growth driver.
  • State Concerns: States, including Kerala, warn of revenue loss; call for compensation mechanism.
[UPSC 2018] Consider the following items:

1. Cereal grains hulled 2. Chicken eggs cooked 3. Fish processed and canned 4. Newspapers containing advertising material

Which of the above items is/are exempted under GST (Goods and Services Tax)?

Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only *(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

 

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Nuclear Energy

[pib] Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR)

Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

Why in the News?

The Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI) 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, is scheduled to achieve criticality in March 2026 and reach full power generation by December 2026.

What is a Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR)?

  • A Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) is a type of nuclear reactor that generates more fuel than it consumes, essentially “breeding” more nuclear material to power itself and future reactors.
  • It does this by using high-energy, or “fast,” neutrons to convert abundant, non-fissile uranium (U-238) into fissile plutonium (Pu-239) for fuel.

About India’s Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR):

  • Design began: 1980s as prototype for future 600 MWe FBRs.
  • Timeline: Construction began in 2004, faced delays; cost escalated from ₹3,500 crore to ₹7,700 crore.
  • Capacity: 500 MWe, sodium-cooled fast breeder reactor.
  • Predecessors: It builds on India’s earlier reactors: KAMINI and Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR).
  • Technology: Completely indigenous, designed by Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR).
  • Fuel: Uranium-Plutonium mixed oxide (MOX); later stages to use Thorium-232 to breed fissile U-233.
  • Burnup: 100 GWd/t, reactor life ~40 years.
  • Coolant: 1,750 tonnes of liquid sodium; pool-type design with high thermal inertia.
  • Construction agencies: Uranium-Plutonium mixed oxide (MOX) fuel fabricated by BARC Tarapur; reactor equipment by BHEL.
  • Site: Kokkilamedu, near Kalpakkam (next to Madras Atomic Power Station).

Significance in India’s Nuclear Programme:

  • PFBR is the second stage of India’s three-stage programme:
    • Stage 1: Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) using natural uranium.
    • Stage 2: Fast Breeder Reactors producing plutonium and U-233 from thorium.
    • Stage 3: Thorium-based U-233 fuel cycle.
  • Enables closed fuel cycle: recovery and recycling of fissile and fertile material from spent nuclear fuel (SNF).
  • Enhances energy security by optimally utilising limited uranium and vast thorium reserves.
  • Reduces radioactive waste through recycling.
[UPSC 2024] With reference to radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), consider the following statements:

1. RTGs are miniature fission reactors.

2. RTGs are used for powering the onboard systems of spacecrafts.

3. RTGs can use Plutonium-238, which is a by-product of weapons development.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only* (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

 

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Forest Conservation Efforts – NFP, Western Ghats, etc.

Haryana defines ‘Forest’: Controversy and Implications

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Why in the News?

Haryana has notified the dictionary meaning of “forest” as per Supreme Court directions.

Haryana defines ‘Forest’: Controversy and Implications

Haryana’s definition of Forest:

  • Definition: A patch of land is deemed a forest if:
    • Minimum area: 5 hectares (isolated) or 2 hectares (contiguous with notified forest).
    • Minimum canopy density: 0.4 (40%) or more.
  • Exclusions: Linear/compact/agro-forestry plantations and orchards outside government-notified forests.
  • Aim: Create a uniform standard for identifying forests under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 (FCA).

Issues with Haryana’s Definition:

  • High thresholds:
    • 40% canopy cover excludes scrub forests and dry deciduous vegetation like the Aravallis.
    • 2–5 hectare size requirement too high for an arid state with fragmented green cover.
  • Exclusion of Aravallis: Sensitive ridge areas risk exposure to illegal mining, encroachment, and real estate development.
  • Contradiction with Godavarman judgment (1996): SC had ruled that “forest” must be understood in its dictionary meaning, regardless of size, ownership, or canopy density.
  • Dilution of protection under FCA 1980: Narrows the scope of land eligible for forest safeguards.

Godavarman Case & FCA Background:

  • Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980: Restricted dereservation/diversion of forest land without Centre’s approval.
  • T N Godavarman v Union of India (1996): Court ruled “forest” must be understood in its dictionary meaning, covering all forested lands regardless of ownership or official status.
  • 2023 FCA Amendment: Limited scope to notified forests and recorded forest lands.
    • Amendment challenged by retired IFS officers and NGOs for diluting FCA protections.
  • SC in February 2024 directed States/UTs to continue using Godavarman definition while case is ongoing.

 

[UPSC 2005] The minimum land area recommended for forest cover to maintain proper ecological balance in India is

Options: (a) 0.25 (b) 0.33* (c) 0.43 (d) 0.53

 

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Policy Wise: India’s Power Sector

Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project

Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

Why in the News?

The Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (APSPCB) conducted a public hearing for the proposed 1,200 MW Kalai-II hydroelectric project in Anjaw district.

About Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project:

  • Location: Anjaw District, Arunachal Pradesh, on the Lohit River (tributary of the Brahmaputra).
  • Capacity: 1,200 MW (six turbines of 190 MW each + one unit of 60 MW).
  • Project Type: Run-of-river with pondage.
  • Key Features: Concrete gravity dam, diversion tunnels, underground powerhouse, surge chamber, and tailrace tunnel.
  • Power Generation: Estimated 4.85 TWh annually; free power worth ₹318 crore/year for the state.
  • Equity: Arunachal Pradesh holds 26% stake.

Strategic Importance:

  • Energy Security: Expands India’s renewable energy portfolio and hydropower capacity in the North-East.
  • Geopolitical Context: Strengthens India’s presence in the sensitive Brahmaputra basin bordering China.
  • Economic Boost: Contributes to state revenues through free power and Local Area Development Fund (~₹2.2 crore/year).
  • Part of Larger Push: One of 13 stalled hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh revived through MoAs with central PSUs, aligning with India’s clean energy targets.
[UPSC 2008] On which one of the following rivers is the Tehri Hydropower Complex located?

Options: (a) Alaknanda (b) Bhagirathi *(c) Dhauliganga (d) Mandakini

 

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Tiger Conservation Efforts – Project Tiger, etc.

NTCA limits definition of Tiger Corridors

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Why in the News?

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) recently issued a clarification limiting tiger corridors primarily to 32 “least cost pathways” identified in 2014.

About National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA):

  • Statutory body: Under Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
  • Establishment: Created in 2006 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
  • Functions: Provides legal backing to Project Tiger, ensures Centre–State accountability via MoUs, and enables Parliamentary oversight.
  • Community Role: Addresses livelihood concerns of people around tiger reserves.
  • Composition: Chaired by MoEFCC Minister, Vice-Chairperson MoS, 3 Members of Parliament, MoEFCC Secretary, and others.

What are Tiger Corridors?

  • Definition: Landscape linkages between tiger habitats that allow safe passage, genetic flow, and survival.
  • Need: Prevent isolation of tiger populations and human–tiger conflicts.
  • Examples of Macro-Corridors:
    • Shivalik–Gangetic Plains: Corbett–Dudhwa, Dudhwa–Kishanpur–Katerniaghat.
    • Central India & Eastern Ghats: Ranthambhore–Kuno–Madhav, Kanha–Pench, Bandhavgarh–Achanakmar.
    • Western Ghats: Sahyadri–Konkan–Radhanagari–Goa–Karnataka.
    • Northeast & Brahmaputra: Kaziranga–Karbi Anglong, Manas–Buxa.
    • Sundarbans Landscape.

NTCA’s Policy Reversal:

  • July 25 Affidavit: Said corridor identification must use multiple data sources – protected areas, 2014 NTCA pathways, Tiger Conservation Plans (TCPs), Wildlife Institute of India (WII) studies (2016, 2021), and All-India Tiger Estimation (AITE) data.
  • August 21 Clarification: Limited definition only to 2014 least-cost pathways (32 corridors) and TCP corridors.
  • Exclusions: WII studies and AITE data dropped, despite 2014 report itself warning that listed corridors were “minimal requirement.”
[UPSC 2020] Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”?

Options: (a) Corbett (b) Ranthambore (c) Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam* (d) Sunderbans

 

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