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  • Women Safety Issues – Marital Rape, Domestic Violence, Swadhar, Nirbhaya Fund, etc.

    700 One Stop Centres to be set across India

    Schemes | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Introduction

    • In a significant move towards women’s safety and empowerment, the Union Minister for Women and Child Development recently announced the establishment of One Stop Centres (OSCs) in over 700 districts across the nation.

    About One Stop Centre Scheme

    • Central Sponsorship: The One Stop Centre scheme is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme developed under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD).
    • Inception: The scheme has been in operation since April 1, 2015, with a primary focus on addressing Gender-Based Violence.
    • Universal Reach: The One Stop Centre Scheme is committed to aiding all women, including girls below 18 years, who have suffered violence. Regardless of caste, class, religion, region, sexual orientation, or marital status, all women are eligible for support.
    • Protection for Minors: For girls below 18 years of age, the scheme collaborates with institutions and authorities established under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act, 2012.

    Objectives of the One Stop Centre Scheme

    • Holistic Support: The core objective is to provide comprehensive and integrated support to women who have endured violence, whether in private or public spaces. All assistance is conveniently accessible under one roof.
    • Immediate Access: These centres ensure immediate access to a wide array of services encompassing medical, legal, psychological, and counseling support. This collective approach stands resolute against all forms of violence targeting women.

    Funding and Administration

    • Financial Backing: The Scheme receives its funding through the Nirbhaya Fund, with the Central Government providing 100% financial assistance.
    • Local Administration: Day-to-day implementation and administrative responsibilities rest with the District Collector/District Magistrate.

    Services Offered by OSCs

    The One Stop Centres serve as a lifeline for women in need, offering an array of essential services:

    • Emergency Response and Rescue Services
    • Medical Assistance
    • Assistance with lodging FIR/ NCR/DIR
    • Psycho-social Support and Counseling
    • Legal Aid and Counseling
    • Shelter
    • Video Conferencing Facility

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  • Women empowerment issues – Jobs,Reservation and education

    Budgetary increase for Lakhpati Didi Scheme

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Introduction

    • The interim budget for 2024-25 has introduced an expansion of the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme, designed to empower women’s self-help groups.

    About ‘Lakhpati Didi’ Scheme

    • Launch: The ‘Lakhpati Didi’ Scheme was inaugurated on August 15, 2023.
    • Objective: The government aims to create two crore prosperous sisters in rural villages, aligning with the broader mission of poverty alleviation and economic empowerment.
    • Skill Training: Women participants receive skill training to enable them to earn an income exceeding Rs 1 lakh annually.
    • Technology Integration: Women’s self-help groups (SHGs) will have access to drones for agricultural activities, harnessing technology to transform rural agriculture while empowering women.

    Leveraging Drone Technology

    • Drone Training: Approximately 15,000 women’s SHGs will undergo training in operating and repairing drones.
    • Income Generation: This initiative not only opens new avenues for income generation but also equips women with cutting-edge skills.
    • Agricultural Revolution: Drones hold the potential to revolutionize agriculture, facilitating precision farming, crop monitoring, and pest control.

    Skill Diversification

    • Skill Development: Women under this scheme receive training in diverse skills such as LED bulb making, plumbing, and more.
    • Eligibility Criteria: Participants must be active members of self-help groups.

    Application Process

    • Self-Help Groups: To apply for the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ Scheme, women should be part of self-help groups.
    • Local Anganwadi Centres: Additional information and application forms are available at local Anganwadi centres.

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  • Animal Husbandry, Dairy & Fisheries Sector – Pashudhan Sanjivani, E- Pashudhan Haat, etc

    Interim Budget mentions Blue Economy 2.0

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

    Introduction

    • The Interim Budget presented by Finance Minister underscores the importance of promoting an environment-friendly ‘blue economy’ for sustainable development.

    Understanding Blue Economy

    • Definition: The blue economy encompasses economic activities related to oceans, seas, and coastal regions, with a strong emphasis on sustainability.
    • Global Perspective: The European Commission defines it as a wide range of established and emerging sectors linked to ocean resources, while the World Bank emphasizes the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth and livelihoods.

    Significance for India

    • India’s Coastal Abundance: With its extensive coastline, diverse marine resources, and tourism potential, India stands to benefit significantly from the blue economy.
    • Balancing Growth: The blue economy seeks to achieve economic growth while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems.

    Budget Proposals

    • Restoration and Adaptation: A scheme focusing on climate-resilient activities, restoration, adaptation measures, and integrated coastal aquaculture and mariculture will be launched.
    • Integrated Aquaparks: The budget outlines plans for setting up five integrated aquaparks to boost aquaculture productivity.
    • Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): PMMSY will be intensified to double exports to Rs 1 lakh crore and generate 55 lakh employment opportunities.

    India’s Blue Economy Policy

    • Blue Economy 2.0: The budget introduces the concept of Blue Economy 2.0, building upon a draft policy framework released in July 2022.
    • Policy Framework: The framework encompasses various aspects such as marine resources, coastal planning, tourism, fisheries, aquaculture, trade, technology, infrastructure, and international engagement.

    Global Engagement

    • G20 Summit: India, as the host of the G20 summit, prioritized blue economy discussions, emphasizing its significance on the global stage.
    • Responsibility and Collaboration: India recognizes the importance of responsible artificial intelligence and sustainable ocean governance in the context of the blue economy.

    Conclusion

    • India’s commitment to promoting the blue economy aligns with global efforts for sustainable development.
    • The Interim Budget’s proposals aim to harness the potential of India’s coastal resources while preserving the marine ecosystem, fostering economic growth, and creating employment opportunities.
    • This strategic shift underscores India’s dedication to responsible and inclusive development.

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  • RBI Notifications

    Payments Banks: A Closer Look at Their Features and Objectives

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Introduction

    • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed additional curbs on Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL), prohibiting it from operating its mobile wallet after February.
    • This article provides insights into what payments banks are, their objectives, features, and the regulatory framework governing them.

    Understanding Payments Banks

    • Definition: Payments banks are financial institutions similar to regular banks but operate on a smaller scale without engaging in credit risk.
    • Origin: The concept of payments banks was recommended by the Nachiket Mor Committee.
    • Objective: The primary goal is to advance financial inclusion by providing banking and financial services to unbanked and underbanked areas, catering to migrant laborers, low-income households, small entrepreneurs, and more.
    • Legal Framework: Payments banks are registered as public limited companies under the Companies Act 2013 and licensed under Section 22 of the Banking Regulation Act 1949.
    • Regulation: They are governed by various legislations, including the Banking Regulation Act, 1949; RBI Act, 1934; Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999, among others.

    Key Features of Payments Banks

    • Differentiation: Payments banks are distinct entities, not universal banks.
    • Scale: They operate on a smaller scale compared to traditional banks.
    • Capital Requirements: Payments banks are required to have a minimum paid-up equity capital of 100 crores.
    • Promoter Contribution: The promoter must contribute at least 40% of the paid-up equity capital for the first five years from the commencement of business.

    Permissible Activities

    • Accept deposits up to Rs. 2,00,000.
    • Offer demand deposits in the form of savings and current accounts.
    • Invest deposits in secure government securities as Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR), accounting for 75% of the demand deposit balance.
    • Place the remaining 25% as time deposits with other scheduled commercial banks.
    • Provide remittance services, mobile payments/transfers/purchases, ATM/debit cards, net banking, and third-party fund transfers.
    • Act as a banking correspondent (BC) for other banks to offer credit and services beyond their capabilities.

    Activities Not Permitted

    • Loans and Credit Cards: Payments banks cannot issue loans and credit cards.
    • Time and NRI Deposits: They are not authorized to accept time deposits or NRI deposits.
    • Non-Banking Subsidiaries: Payments banks cannot establish subsidiaries to engage in non-banking financial activities.

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  • Economic Indicators and Various Reports On It- GDP, FD, EODB, WIR etc

    A political, feel-good statement

    op-ed snap | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Budget Highlights 2024: Rooftop solarisation, housing for middle class | Latest News India - Hindustan Times

    Central Idea:

    The Finance Minister’s Budget speech focuses on claiming credit for a decade of economic growth, moderate inflation, and social welfare. However, the analysis reveals a mix of positives and concerns, emphasizing the need for addressing challenges like employment, wage growth, and dependence on China for industrial inputs.

    Key Highlights:

    • The Budget attributes post-COVID growth revival to public infrastructure investment, proposing an 11% rise in capital expenditure.
    • Public infrastructure investments, especially in highways and communications, have contributed to GDP growth in the post-pandemic years.
    • The Budget extends a 50-year interest-free loan scheme for States and introduces a similar scheme for private sector innovation and R&D with a ₹1 lakh crore corpus.
    • The Budget applauds the scheme to set up rooftop solar in 1 crore households.
    • The claim of doubled FDI inflow is challenged, highlighting that much of it has gone into services rather than substantial manufacturing.

    Key Challenges:

    • Despite positive growth indicators, the employment situation remains grim, with stagnant regular salaried employment and a rise in unpaid family labor.
    • Real wages in agriculture have declined, indicating that the benefits of economic growth have not been equitably distributed.
    • There is a concern about premature de-industrialization, with a rise in the agriculture workforce and a decline in manufacturing employment share.
    • Growing dependence on China for industrial inputs poses a strategic risk, despite initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan.’

    Key Terms:

    • Crowding-out: The displacement of private investment due to high levels of public investment.
    • Disinvestment: The sale or liquidation of government assets in the public sector.
    • Geopolitics: The influence of geographical factors on international relations and politics.

    Key Phrases:

    • “All is well” – The political message emphasizing optimism about the future.
    • “Premature de-industrialization” – A concern that the economy is losing its industrial base too soon.

    Key Quotes:

    • “The Budget claimed that FDI inflow during 2014-23 doubled to $596 billion compared to the previous 10 years. This is misleading.”
    • “The political message in the Budget was ‘all is well’ and the coming days will be better.”

    Key Statements:

    • “The long term growth of a poor, over-populated economy lies in the structural transformation of its workforce away from rural/agriculture to modern industry and services.”
    • “The Budget is an account of the achievements of the last decade of this regime, with a promise to press ahead with the same.”

    Key Examples and References:

    • The rise in public infrastructure investments contributing to GDP growth.
    • The widening trade deficit with China despite ‘Make in India’ initiatives.

    Key Facts and Data:

    • The FDI inflow ratio to GDP peaked in 2007-08 and has not regained that level.
    • India’s industrial output and investment growth rate has decelerated over the last 5-7 years.

    Critical Analysis:

    The Budget seems complacent about aggregate growth but overlooks concerns such as employment, wage growth, and dependence on China. The focus on claiming credit for past achievements raises questions about addressing existing challenges.

    Way Forward:

    • Prioritize inclusive growth to ensure benefits reach a larger section of the population.
    • Address employment challenges by promoting structural transformation from rural to urban sectors.
    • Strategically reduce dependence on China for critical industrial inputs.
    • Enhance the effectiveness of schemes like interest-free loans for innovation and R&D to boost long-term economic growth.

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  • Human Rights Issues

    Express View on student suicides: After Niharika

    op-ed snap | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Insights into Editorial: Preventing student suicides - INSIGHTSIAS

    Central Idea:

    The article highlights the alarming increase in student suicides, particularly in Kota, as a consequence of the intense pressure and expectations associated with high-stakes competitive exams such as JEE and NEET. It emphasizes the need for a collective effort from parents, teachers, institutions, and policymakers to address the underlying issues leading to these tragic outcomes.

    Key Highlights:

    • Kota witnessed 29 student suicides in coaching centers last year, reflecting the profound toll of competitive exam stress.
    • The National Crime Records Bureau’s 2022 report revealed that students and the unemployed constituted a significant portion of total suicides.
    • The article points to a deeper societal issue originating in parental ambitions and culminating in high-pressure attempts to secure seats in prestigious institutions.
    • The cost of such aspirations includes prolonged study hours, loneliness, and relentless pressure on young individuals.

    Key Challenges:

    • A societal emphasis on unrealistic goals and expectations from parents can lead to severe mental health issues among students.
    • The pressure to succeed in competitive exams contributes to anxiety and desperation among the youth.

    Key Terms:

    • JEE: Joint Entrance Examination.
    • NEET: National Eligibility cum Entrance Test.

    Key Phrases:

    • “Disquieting spike in student deaths.”
    • “Cost of aspiration: interminable hours of studying, loneliness, and unrelenting pressure.”
    • “Recognizing potential as a gesture of confidence or a source of despair.”

    Key Quotes:

    • “The future need not be one of anxiety and duress, of expectations so onerous that they become the sole metric of achievement.”
    • “Change requires everyone to own responsibility, a conscious effort to open up minds, and rethink ways of seeing.”

    Key Statements:

    • “The article highlights the alarming increase in student suicides, particularly in Kota, as a consequence of the intense pressure and expectations associated with high-stakes competitive exams.”
    • “The future need not be one of anxiety and duress.”

    Key Examples and References:

    • The case of Niharika Solanki, an 18-year-old student who died by suicide in Kota.
    • The National Crime Records Bureau’s 2022 annual report.

    Key Facts and Data:

    • Kota witnessed 29 student suicides in coaching centers last year.
    • Students and the unemployed constituted 7.6% and 9.2% of total suicides, respectively.

    Critical Analysis:

    • The article effectively points out the societal issues leading to student suicides but does not delve deeply into specific solutions or policy recommendations.
    • There is an implicit call for a more compassionate and realistic approach to education and societal expectations.

    Way Forward:

    • A collective effort is needed from parents, teachers, institutions, and policymakers to address the root causes of student stress and suicides.
    • There is a necessity to redefine success and achievement, focusing on holistic development rather than narrow metrics.
    • Encouraging open conversations about mental health and providing adequate support systems can contribute to a more balanced and compassionate educational environment.

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  • Women empowerment issues – Jobs,Reservation and education

    Indian women are working more. Here’s why

    op-ed snap | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Inclusive Growth & Issues

    Female Labour Force Participation - Current Affairs

    Central Idea:

    The rise in the Female Labor Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) in rural India, particularly over the last six years, can be attributed to strategic interventions like the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM) and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). These programs, focusing on skilling support, credit access, and diversified livelihoods for women, have significantly contributed to the economic empowerment of women in rural areas.

     

    Key Highlights:

    • The FLFPR in rural areas increased from 24.6% (2017-18) to 41.5% (2022-23).
    • DAY-NRLM, with over 90 lakh Women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs), has played a crucial role in transforming the lives of over 9.96 crore women.
    • MGNREGS, providing 260 crore person-days of work annually, has emphasized individual beneficiary schemes, raising incomes for women.
    • Initiatives like MKSP and SVEP under DAY-NRLM have empowered women in agriculture and entrepreneurship, respectively.
    • Social capital of women’s collectives, supported by elected Panchayat leaders, has been instrumental in the success of these programs.

     

    Key Challenges:

    • Despite progress, there’s a need for a more comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to the increased FLFPR.
    • Low wages under MGNREGS pose a challenge, with men often opting for higher-paying jobs in the market.
    • The article hints at the need for a more detailed analysis of the impact of these programs on the overall socio-economic landscape.

     

    Key Terms:

    • FLFPR: Female Labor Force Participation Rate.
    • DAY-NRLM: Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana National Rural Livelihood Mission.
    • MGNREGS: Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.
    • SHGs: Self-Help Groups.
    • MKSP: Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana.
    • SVEP: Start-Up Village Entrepreneurship Programme.

     

    Key Phrases:

    • “Skilling support and credit access for diversified livelihoods.”
    • “Low NPAs and the success of social capital.”
    • “Person-days of work generated annually under MGNREGS.”

     

    Key Quotes:

    • “The rise in rural female FLFPR has been accompanied by a rise in the share of self-employment and agriculture among working women.”
    • “The social capital of women’s collectives has transformed the rural scenario.”

     

    Key Statements:

    • “The DAY-NRLM and MGNREGS play a crucial role in improving the female labor force participation rate.”
    • “Raising MGNREGS wage rates, along with increased productivity, is crucial for securing lives of dignity for the poor.”

     

    Key Examples and References:

    • Evaluation studies by the Institute of Rural Management, Anand and Stanford University team.
    • Banking correspondents from DAY-NRLM making digital payments possible.
    • Quality Council of India’s evaluation of SVEP.

     

    Key Facts and Data:

    • FLFPR in rural areas increased from 24.6% (2017-18) to 41.5% (2022-23).
    • DAY-NRLM covers 9.96 crore women, with over 90 lakh SHGs accessing Rs 38,892 crore.
    • MGNREGS generates over 260 crore person-days of work annually.

     

    Critical Analysis:

    • The article provides a detailed account of the initiatives and their impact but lacks a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and potential drawbacks of these programs.
    • The need for a more nuanced understanding of the interplay of factors contributing to increased FLFPR is highlighted but not thoroughly explored.

     

    Way Forward:

    • The government should continue and possibly expand successful initiatives like DAY-NRLM and MGNREGS.
    • Address the challenge of low wages under MGNREGS to attract more workers.
    • Conduct further research to understand the broader socio-economic implications of these programs and refine them accordingly.

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  • Explained: Rising Tensions in Korean Peninsula

    Explained | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    korea

    Introduction

    • Provocative Actions: North Korea’s provocative actions and responses by South Korea and its allies have heightened concerns about international security.
    • Major Power Rivalry: Major power rivalry has intensified, raising questions about regional stability.

    North vs. South Korea: Historical Context

    • Post-WWII Division: After World War II, the Korean Peninsula was divided into North and South Korea.
    • Cold War Alignments: The North aligned with the Soviet Union, while the South aligned with the U.S.
    • Korean War: The Korean War in the 1950s marked the first “hot war” of the Cold War era.
    • Ongoing Division: Despite the end of active conflict and the Cold War, the two Koreas remain divided due to ideological and geopolitical differences.
    • Nuclear Ambitions: A major issue in the region has been North Korea’s pursuit of nuclear weapons.

    Recent Escalation

    • Adversarial Designation: North Korea has officially designated South Korea as an adversary and dismantled symbols of reunification.
    • Missile Tests: Multiple missile tests, including one involving a hypersonic warhead, have been conducted.
    • Hypersonic Threat: Hypersonic weapons have the potential to evade missile defence systems.
    • Joint Drills: In response, the U.S., South Korea, and Japan held joint naval drills to enhance their defence capabilities.
    • Additional Tests: North Korea conducted tests of a nuclear-capable underwater drone and a strategic cruise missile, increasing tensions in the region.

    South Korea’s Role

    • New Leadership: South Korea’s newly elected conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol has adopted a hawkish approach toward North Korea.
    • Alignment with Allies: There is a closer alignment with the U.S. and Japan.
    • Trilateral Cooperation: The three countries held a historic meeting to strengthen trilateral cooperation.
    • Conflict Concerns: These developments raise concerns about potential conflicts in the region, given the involvement of major powers and the possibility of unintended consequences.

    International Implications

    • Global Conflicts: Rising tensions in the Korean Peninsula coincide with other global conflicts, such as Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine.
    • Major Power Involvement: Key stakeholders in the Korean Peninsula, including the U.S., China, and Russia, are involved in a broader strategic competition.
    • Conflict Possibilities: While a major conflict may be avoided due to alliances and nuclear deterrence, incidents or skirmishes are possible.
    • Complex Alliances: North Korea’s ties with China and Russia and South Korea’s alignment with the U.S. add complexity to ongoing global conflicts.

    Conclusion

    • The situation in the Korean Peninsula has raised international security concerns due to increased tensions, missile tests, and shifts in political dynamics among the involved countries.
    • The interconnectedness of these issues with broader global conflicts adds to the complexity and uncertainty in the region.

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  • Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

    Varanasi HC allows Hindu Prayers in Gyanvapi Premise

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Gyanvapi

    Introduction

    • The Varanasi District Court has issued an order permitting Hindu prayers to be conducted in the southern cellar of the Gyanvapi mosque complex, a decision met with both support and opposition.
    • This development comes amid ongoing legal disputes concerning the worship rights at the site.

    Allowing Prayers: Court’s Ruling

    • Prayers Allowed: The Varanasi District Court has directed the district administration to facilitate the resumption of puja (worship) within the disputed southern cellar of the Gyanvapi mosque complex within seven days.
    • Background: The order followed an application filed by Shailendra Kumar Pathak, the priest of the Acharya Ved Vyas Peeth temple, seeking worship rights for visible and invisible deities in the basement of the mosque.

    Reaction and Legal Challenges

    • Legal Challenge: The Anjuman Intezamia Committee of Gyanvapi Masjid, advised by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), intends to challenge the court’s decision in the Allahabad High Court.
    • AIMPLB’s Stance: AIMPLB criticized the court’s ruling as “totally unacceptable” and drew parallels to past disputes like the opening of locks at the Babri Masjid in 1986. They expressed concerns about the targeting of old mosques after the establishment of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

    Historical Perspective

    • Prior Worship: The petitioner claimed that Hindu priests associated with the Vyas family used to perform daily rituals in the cellar before 1993 when it was discontinued by government orders.
    • Contested Claims: A member of the Anjuman Intezamia committee contested the assertion, stating that there had never been any puja conducted in the cellar.

    Ongoing Legal Proceedings

    • Next Hearing: The next hearing on this matter is scheduled for February 8, allowing the defendants, including the Anjuman Intejamia Masajid Committee that manages the Gyanvapi mosque, to file objections.
    • Parallel Legal Challenge: Another order by the Allahabad High Court concerns a revision application challenging the Varanasi district judge’s refusal to direct the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct a scientific survey of the mosque’s wazukhana area.

    Concerns and Historical Parallels

    • Ethical Concerns: The decision to permit puja in the Gyanvapi mosque’s basement raises ethical questions and concerns about religious rights.
    • Parallels to History: AIMPLB sees parallels between recent developments and past disputes, raising concerns about historical patterns of targeting old mosques.

    Conclusion

    • The Varanasi District Court’s ruling allowing Hindu prayers in the Gyanvapi mosque’s southern cellar has ignited both legal challenges and discussions about religious rights and historical parallels.
    • The case continues to be a subject of significant debate and legal scrutiny.

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  • Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

    Significance of Deputy CM in Indian Politics

    Explained | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    Deputy CM

    Introduction

    • Deputy Chief Ministers (Deputy CMs) have become prominent figures in Indian politics, serving as political compromises and often following coalition governments or a lack of single-party dominance.
    • The role and prevalence of Deputy CMs vary across states and regions.

    Role of Deputy CM

    • Political Compromise: Deputy CMs are appointed to strike a political compromise, especially in coalition governments or when no single leader commands undisputed authority.
    • Representation: Deputy CMs represent various regions, communities, or interest groups within a state, promoting inclusivity.
    • Constitutional Basis: The Constitution does not explicitly mention the position of Deputy CM; however, it is understood to be equivalent in rank to a Cabinet Minister.
    1. Article 163(1): This article outlines the existence of a Council of Ministers in each state, with the Chief Minister at its head, to aid and advise the Governor in the exercise of his functions. While it doesn’t mention Deputy CMs, they are a part of the Council of Ministers, akin to Cabinet Ministers.
    2. Article 164(1): This article states that the Chief Minister shall be appointed by the Governor, and other Ministers shall be appointed by the Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister. It establishes the authority of the Chief Minister in appointing Deputy CMs.

    Prevalence of Deputy Chief Ministers

    • Growing Prominence: Deputy CMs are increasingly common in Indian states, with four of the five states that went to polls in November 2021 having Deputy CMs.
    • National Presence: Most major states, except Tamil Nadu and Kerala, have the position of Deputy CM.
    • Varied Contexts: States like Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Haryana have multiple Deputy CMs, often reflecting coalition governments or diverse political considerations.

    Historical Overview

    • Pioneering Deputy CM: Anugrah Narayan Sinha was one of the earliest Deputy CMs in India, representing Bihar.
    • Post-1967 Increase: The prevalence of Deputy CMs expanded after the decline of Congress’s dominance in national politics in 1967.
    • Examples: States like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana have a history of Deputy CMs from various political backgrounds.

    Deputy Prime Ministers

    • Higher Position: India has also seen Deputy Prime Ministers, who held positions of significance at the national level.
    • Notable Figures: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Morarji Desai, Charan Singh, Chaudhary Devi Lal, and Lal Krishna Advani have served as Deputy Prime Ministers.
    • Constitutional Aspects: The role of the Deputy Prime Minister has been debated in court, with the Supreme Court emphasizing that it does not confer additional powers on the Deputy Prime Minister.

    Conclusion

    • Deputy Chief Ministers play a vital role in Indian politics, facilitating political stability and representation.
    • Their prevalence has increased over the years, and they continue to hold significant positions in state governments.

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