Russia and Ukraine account for about 25% of the world’s wheat exports. However, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent Western sanctions against Moscow have curtailed wheat supplies drastically.
India eyeing the global wheat basket
As a result of War, many countries which were sourcing wheat mainly from these two nations are now in a dire need of alternatives.
India, the largest wheat producer after China, is reported to be eyeing the void.
The government plans to allow increased exports to cash in on the higher price of wheat in the international market.
With harvesting season (March to May) coinciding with the supply crunch, a bumper crop is also expected again this year.
Global wheat scenario
While Russia and Ukraine exported 183 million tonnes (MT) and 91 MT of wheat, respectively, between 2017 and 2021, India exported just a fraction of its output, or just 12.6 MT, in the period.
Five other countries accounted for the bulk of wheat exports in this period, including the European Union (157 MT), the U.S. (125 MT), Canada (112 MT) and Australia (83 MT).
India, which had the second-highest wheat supply (including production, existing stocks and imports) in this period at 613 million tonnes, exported only 2% of this, with about 80% used for domestic consumption, and the rest stored.
Impact of the war
Many countries in Africa, West Asia and Southeast Asia rely heavily on Russian and Ukrainian wheat.
Egypt, the biggest importer of wheat, sources 93% of its needs from the East European neighbors. Indonesia, the second-largest importer, has a 30% dependence on these two nations.
African nations such as Sudan (60% reliance), Tanzania (64%), Libya (53%), Tunisia (52%), and West Asian countries including Lebanon (77% dependency), Yemen (50%) and the UAE (42%) are also highly dependent on supplies from the two neighbors now at war.
India’s focus markets
India is now focussing on exporting wheat to many nations such as Egypt, Turkey, Nigeria, Algeria, West Asia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Thailand, the Philippines, Morocco and Tanzania.
To give impetus to the export promotion of wheat as well as to bring focus on the challenges and bottlenecks faced in production and export, APEDA has created a task group.
Legal hurdles over Wheat Exports
If India decides to export wheat from its stocks, some developed nations may raise objections at the World Trade Organisation.
Already, in March, India was accused of exporting rice from its stocks.
India had replied that its rice exports were not from stocks set aside under the public stockholding programs.
India’s consideration
The Supreme Court in the Right to Food case, observed that the peace clause adopted in WTO’s Bali Ministerial in 2014 does not prevent India from exporting foodgrains.
With the buffer stocks at hand, India should increase its wheat exports in order to stabilise global prices to the extent that it can.
It is also important because the countries that were dependent on Russia and Ukraine for their wheat are looking for an alternative source.
Way ahead
There is a need to prioritise local prices and ensure adequate supplies for domestic consumption before deciding on the quantum of exports.
Ensuring the stability of prices in India and availability of grain for internal consumption should be of utmost priority to the Indian government
The government should plan this move in such a way that it does not impact local consumption.
A bumper crop of wheat is expected, so the government can procure enough for its distribution and buffer needs.
Further, as of now, there are no export restrictions, so farmers can also get the advantage of higher prices by selling the surplus to private traders for exports.
Try this PYQ from CSP 2019:
Q. Among the agricultural commodities imported by India, which one of the following accounts for the highest imports in terms of value in the last five years?
(a) Spices
(b) Fresh fruits
(c) Pulses
(d) Vegetable oils
[wpdiscuz-feedback id=”ff150g1lak” question=”Please leave a feedback on this” opened=”1″]Answer is subjective to the year. But still you can give it a try.[/wpdiscuz-feedback]
Raja Rai Varma’s Draupadi Vastraharan is expected to fetch between Rs 15 and Rs 20 crore at an auction.
Who was Raja Ravi Varma?
Raja Ravi Varma was born in April 1848 in Kilimanoor, Kerala, to a family which was very close to the royals of Travancore.
Often referred to as the father of modern Indian art, he is widely known for his realistic portrayal of Indian gods and goddesses.
While he majorly painted for the royalty, he is also credited for taking art to the masses with his prints and oleographs.
At a young age, he would draw animals and everyday scenes on the walls in indigenous coloursmade from natural materials such as leaves, flowers and soil.
His uncle, Raja Raja Varma, noticed this and encouraged his talent.
Patronised by Ayilyam Thirunal, the then ruler of Travancore, he learnt watercolour painting from the royal painter Ramaswamy Naidu, and later trained in oil painting from Dutch artist Theodore Jensen.
How he became an artist of the royals?
Varma became a much sought-after artist for the aristocrats and was commissioned several portraits in late 19th century.
Arguably, at one point, he became so popular that the Kilimanoor Palace in Kerala opened a post office due to the sheer number of painting requests that would come in for him.
He travelled across India extensively, for work and inspiration.
Fame as a notable painter
Following a portrait of Maharaja Sayajirao of Baroda, he was commissioned 14 Puranic paintings for the Durbar Hall of the new Lakshmi Vilas Palace at Baroda.
Depicting Indian culture, Varma borrowed from episodes of Mahabharata and Ramayana for the same.
He also received patronage from numerous other rulers, including the Maharaja of Mysore and Maharaja of Udaipur.
As his popularity soared, the artist won an award for an exhibition of his paintings at Vienna in 1873.
He was also awarded three gold medals at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893.
Nature of his artforms
Much of his celebrated art also borrows heavily from Indian mythology.
In fact, he is often credited with defining the images of Indian gods and goddesses through his relatable and more realistic portrayals often painted with humans as models.
The depictions include Lakshmi as the goddess of wealth, Saraswati as the goddess of knowledge and wisdom, and Lord Vishnu with his consorts, Maya and Lakshmi.
How he took Indian art to the masses?
Raja Ravi Varma aspired to take his art to the masses and the intent led him to open a Lithographic Press in Bombay in 1894.
The idea, reportedly, came from Sir T Madhava Rao, former Dewan of Travancore and later Baroda, in a letter where he pointed out to Varma that since it was impossible for him to meet the large demand for his work, it would be ideal for him to send some of his select works to Europe and have them produced as oleographs.
Varma, instead, chose to establish a printing press of his own.
The first picture printed at Varma’s press was reportedly The Birth of Shakuntala, followed by numerous mythological figures and saints such as Adi Shankaracharya.
Try this PYQ:
Q. There are only two known examples of cave paintings of the Gupta period in ancient India. One of these is paintings of Ajanta caves. Where is the other surviving example of Gupta paintings?
(a) Bagh caves
(b) Ellora caves
(c) Lomas Rishi cave
(d) Nasik caves
[wpdiscuz-feedback id=”x49cnsnw71″ question=”Please leave a feedback on this” opened=”1″]Post your answers here.[/wpdiscuz-feedback]
The Rajya Sabha recently bade farewell to 72 members retiring this year as Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed their contribution and MPs fondly reminisced on their experiences.
In this article, we will discuss and analyze the journey, significance and achievements of the Upper House of Parliament – Rajya Sabha.
The Rajya Sabha
The Rajya Sabha or Council of States is the upper house of the bicameral Parliament.
It currently has a maximum membership of 245, of which 233 are elected by the legislatures of the states and union territories using single transferable votes through Open Ballot.
The President can appoint 12 members for their contributions to art, literature, science, and social services.
Members sit for terms lasting six years, with elections every year but almost a third of the 233 designates up for election every two years, specifically in even-numbered years.
A Historical background
The Rajya Sabha came into being on April 3, 1952, and held its first session on May 13 the same year.
The Constituent Assembly, which was formed in 1947, after the adoption of the Constitution became the Provisional Parliament and made laws till 1952.
Before its existence
The central legislature that came into being under the Government of India Act, 1919was bicameral.
Under 1919 Act, Council of States had 60 members and Legislative Assembly had 145 members.
The membership and voting norms for the Council of States were restrictive. These restrictions meant only wealthy landowners, merchants and those with legislative experience could enter it.
Women could neither vote nor seek membership.
The Government of India Act, 1935 proposed an elaborate and improved version of the second chamber, but this never materialized.
Elections to the Rajya Sabha
Qualifications
Article 84of the Constitution lays down the qualifications for membership of Parliament. A member of the Rajya Sabha must:
Be a citizen of India;
Be at least 30 years old. (Article 84 constitution of India)
Be elected by the Legislative Assembly of States and UTs by means of the single transferable vote through proportional representation.
Not be: a proclaimed criminal, a subject of an insolvent, of unsound mind.
Not hold any other office of profit under the Government of India.
Possess such other qualifications as may be prescribed in that behalf by or under any law made by Parliament.
In addition, twelve members are nominated by the President of India having special knowledge in various areas like arts and science. However, they are not entitled to vote in Presidential elections as per Article 55 of the Constitution.
Election procedure
Candidates fielded by political parties have to be proposed by at least 10 members of the Assembly or 10% of the party’s strength in the House, whichever is less.
For independents, there should be 10 proposers, all of whom should be members of the Assembly.
Voting procedure
Voting is by single transferable vote, as the election is held on the principle of proportional representation.
A single transferable vote means electors can vote for any number of candidates in order of their preference.
A candidate requires a specified number of first preference votes to win. Each first choice vote has a value of 100 in the first round.
To qualify, a candidate needs one point more than the quotient obtained by dividing the total value of the number of seats for which elections are taking place plus one.
The formula simply is [(Number of MLAs X 100) / (Vacancies + 1)] + 1.
Example: If there are four seats and 180 MLAs voting, the qualifying number will be 180/5= 36 votes or value of 3,600.
Note: The Rajya Sabha polls have a system of the open ballot, but it is a limited form of openness. There is a system of each party MLA showing his or her marked ballots to the party’s authorised agent (called Whip), before they are put into the ballot box.
The NOTA option has been struck down by the Supreme Court in RS elections.
The Power Equation: Lok Sabha Vs. Rajya Sabha
The Indian Constitution provides for parity of powers between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha in law, making an exception in some cases.
The Money Bill or Finance Bills can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha which only can approve the Demands for Grants.
On the other hand, the Rajya Sabha has some special powers as requiring adopting a resolution allowing Parliament to legislate on subjects in the State List and creating All India Services, besides approving proclamations of Emergency and President’s Rule when the Lok Sabha is dissolved.
Renowned British philosopher and political economist John Stuart Mill as early as in 1861 said in his great treatise Considerations on Representative Government that management of free institutions requires conciliation; a readiness to compromise; a willingness to concede something to opponents and mutual give and take. Truly, Rajya sabha plays this role in Indian legislature.
In detail: Powers and Functions of the Rajya Sabha
[1] Legislative Powers:
In the sphere of ordinary law-making, the Rajya Sabha enjoys equal powers with the Lok Sabha. An ordinary bill can be introduced in the Rajya Sabha and it cannot become a law unless passed by it.
In case of a deadlock between the two Houses of Parliament over an ordinary bill and if it remains unresolved for six months, the President can convene a joint sitting of the two Houses for resolving the deadlock.
This joint sitting is presided over by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. But if the deadlock is not resolved, the bill is deemed to have been killed.
[2] Financial Powers:
In the financial sphere, the Rajya Sabha is a weak House.
A money bill cannot be introduced in the Rajya Sabha. It can be initiated only in the Lok Sabha.
A money bill passed by the Lok Sabha comes before the Rajya Sabha for its consideration.
[3] Executive Powers:
Members of the Rajya Sabha can exercise some control over the ministers by criticizing their policies, by asking questions and moving motions etc.
Some of the ministers are also taken from the Rajya Sabha. The PM can also be from Rajya Sabha if the majority party in the Lok Sabha may elect/adopt him as its leader.
[4] Electoral Powers:
The Rajya Sabha has some electoral powers also. The elected members of the Rajya Sabha along with the elected members of the Lok Sabha and all the State Legislative Assemblies together elect the President of India.
The members of the Rajya Sabha Lok Sabha together elect the Vice- President of India.
Members of the Rajya Sabha also elect a Deputy Chairman from amongst themselves.
[5] Judicial Powers:
The RS acting along with the Lok Sabha can impeach the President on charges of violation of the Constitution.
The RS can also pass a special address for causing the removal of a judge of the Supreme Court or of any High Court.
The charges against the Vice-President can be levelled only in the RS.
The RS can pass a resolution for the removal of some high officers like the Attorney General of India, Comptroller and Auditor General and Chief Election Commissioner.
[6] Miscellaneous Powers:
The Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha jointly perform the following functions:
Approval of the ordinances issued by the President,
Ratification of an emergency proclamation,
Making any change in the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and the High Courts, and
Making any change in the qualifications for the membership of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
[7] Exclusive Powers
The Rajya Sabha enjoys two exclusive powers:
(i) The Power to declare a Subject of State List as a subject of National Importance:
The Rajya Sabha can pass a resolution by 2/3rd majority of its members for declaring a State List subject as a subject of national importance. Such a resolution empowers the Union Parliament to legislate on such a state subject for a period of one year. Such resolutions can be repeatedly passed by the Rajya Sabha.
(ii) Power in respect of Creation or Abolition of an All India Service:
The Rajya Sabha has the power to create one or more new All India Services. It can do so by passing a resolution supported by 2/3rd majority on the plea of national interest. In a similar way, the Rajya Sabha can disband an existing All India Service.
Limitations to its powers
The Constitution places some restrictions on Rajya Sabha; the Lok Sabha is more powerful in certain areas as such:
1. Money bills
A money bill can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha by a minister and only on recommendation of President of India.
When the Lok Sabha passes a money bill then the Lok Sabha sends money bill to the Rajya Sabha for 14 days during which it can make recommendations.
Even if Rajya Sabha fails to return the money bill in 14 days to the Lok Sabha, that bill is deemed to have passed by both the Houses.
Also, if the Lok Sabha rejects any (or all) of the amendments proposed by the Rajya Sabha, the bill is deemed to have been passed. Hence, Rajya Sabha can only give recommendations for a money bill but Rajya Sabha cannot amend a money bill.
There is no joint sitting of both the houses with respect to money bills, because all final decisions are taken by the Lok Sabha.
2. Joint Sitting of the Parliament
Article 108 provides for a joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament in certain cases.
Considering that the numerical strength of Lok Sabha is more than twice that of Rajya Sabha, Lok Sabha tends to have a greater influence in a joint sitting of Parliament. A joint session is chaired by the Speaker of Lok Sabha.
Joint sessions of Parliament are a rarity, and have been convened only three times in last 71 years, for the purpose of passage of a specific legislative act, the latest time being in 2002:
The Union Council of Ministers is collectively responsible before the Lok Sabha and not the Rajya Sabha.
Lok Sabha alone can cause the fall of the Council of Ministers by passing a vote of no-confidence.
Rajya Sabha: A destructionist?
An analysis by the Secretariat revealed that the productivity of the Rajya Sabha till 1997 has been 100% and above and the past 23 years have thrown up a disturbing trend of rising disruptions.
This decline is primarily on account of disruptions forcing cancellation of Question Hour frequently.
Disruptions also dent the quality of law-making as seen in passing of Bills without discussion sometimes.
However, the Rajya Sabha is proving to be more and more a ‘deliberative’ body with increasingly more time being spent on this function.
According to various members of Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha has done nothing except stalling legislative works and causing policy paralysis in the country.
For critics, the Upper House serves no purpose as its members are not directly elected and hence are not accountable to the people.
Rajya Sabha often has members from the party defeated in various elections, or are from political families, and due to political differences, they do not allow passage of important bills.
So many extra members are an added burden on exchequer which can be done away with.
Politics of boycotting and creating ruckus in the house and toeing on the party-line even on the issue that won’t attract disqualification provisions is a worrying thing.
At the same time, in terms of working, Rajya Sabha does not have sufficient powers in financial matters to bring any change and they are without any direct public interaction. Hence its purpose in modern democracy seems outdated.
Importance of Rajya Sabha and Why It Should Continue
According to President Radhakrishnan, there are functions, which a revising chamber like Rajya Sabha can fulfil fruitfully. Parliament is not only a legislative but a deliberative body. So far as its deliberative functions are concerned, Rajya Sabha has made very valuable contributions time and again.
It’s true that party dynamics affects the working of Rajya Sabha. But in democracy passion often defeat the normal rationality.Thus a revising house is needed to check such adrenal rush.
While the argument of members not able to win in direct elections holds true, but retaining talent is essential for any democratic system. Losing valuable talent during election fervours has mostly been corrected by Rajya Sabha. It has also given entry to other experts like scientist, artist, sportsmen etc that can rarely face the electoral politics.
While Lok Sabha have members for each state, the Hindi belt domination is a constant theme. Hence other state interests, like those in North East, have always been taken up by the Rajya Sabha.
While it can’t bring no confidence motion or amend money bill, its role in checking arbitrariness of government as reflected in Land Ordinance, is necessary in democracy. Besides its special role in All India Services, legislation in State List too necessitates its existence.
Men and women of prodigious talent and calibre have adorned the benches of the upper house and have contributed significantly towards realising the vision of the founding fathers of the Constitution.
A permanent Upper House is also a check against any abrupt changes in the composition of the Lower House.
Rajya Sabha has continuity and is a permanent house.
Unlike Lok Sabha, it cannot be dissolved by anyone. Thus it has, time and often, carried out some administrative functions even when the lower house is dissolved. It has members with experienced playerswhile there may be new entrants in the Lok Sabha.
By virtue of this, Rajya Sabha can’t be said to be ‘obstructive’.
Conclusion
A study of the powers of the Rajya Sabha leads us to the conclusion that it is neither a very weak house like the British House of Lords nor a very powerful house as the American Senate. Its position is somewhat mid-way between the two. It has been less powerful than Lok Sabha but it has been not a very weak or insignificant House.
Instead of engaging in the debate of if we need upper house or not, more constructive outlook would be improve it’s functioning. Clearly, the recommendations are present from NCRWC to 2nd ARC. The need is implementation and political support.
No more just the reading of your standard NCERTs is sufficient to clear prelims. Prelims is becoming more Dynamic Year by Year. From 5 lakh plus students making it to roughly 10,000 students for mains stage is not an easy task.
LAST 60 DAYS
60 days is an apt time to not only prepare but clear prelims. Many veterans/topper who appear for prelims shift to PRELIMS MODE in the last 60 days.
This is because 60 days period comfortably allows to finish your one last static revisions of all subject, also cover current affairs revisions and write mocks. Few days less than 60, just adds on to add mental pressure, which can compromise your preparation.
Prelims is the most trickiest stage in UPSC Examination. Last 60 days is surely a DO OR DIE situation.
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS WEBINAR:
1. Know about essentials which should be part of your timetable in the next 60 days. How to make a perfect timetable in the last 60 days?
2. Every day counts and each subject counts! How much time should be devoted to each subject? Let the experts tell you!
3. 20, 30, 40 or 60 tests! How many tests are enough before prelims? Is there a magic number?
4. Not just do’s but one should be aware about the don’t as well. What mistakes one needs to avoid in last 60 days?
5. Revision is the most important part of UPSC preparation. Know about 5R Revision plan.
6. Time test Elimination techniques for prelims. How to use Tikdam/Logical reasoning to score extra 25 marks?
7. Confused between 2 options because they sound very similar. Know how to maximize efficiency while solving question?
8. Last few days is not about making long notes. Discuss the process of making micro notes in last 60 days.
Towards the end of the session, Sajal sir will hold a Q&A session for all aspirants to share their doubts and get answers from him.
Webinar Details
Prelims question papers have become more or less like a game of Sudoko. Except, in Sudoko you can solve the puzzle at your leisure and over here you are limited by 2 hours. We hope this webinar will help all 2022 aspirants implement the suggestions of Sajal sir
He is the founder and Core Faculty at CD. SajalSingh has the distinction be being 2017 topper of GS Mains. Over 400 students have emerged as toppers under SajalSir’s mentorship in the last 7 years.
Thank you messages from students who cleared Mains 2021 under the mentorship of Sajal sir
Last Minute Mentorship can help you a long wayGratitude for Mains mentorshipAppearing in Interview 2021
No more just the reading of your standard NCERTs is sufficient to clear prelims. Prelims is becoming more Dynamic Year by Year. From 5 lakh plus students making it to roughly 10,000 students for mains stage is not an easy task.
LAST 60 DAYS
60 days is an apt time to not only prepare but clear prelims. Many veterans/topper who appear for prelims shift to PRELIMS MODE in the last 60 days.
This is because 60 days period comfortably allows to finish your one last static revisions of all subject, also cover current affairs revisions and write mocks. Few days less than 60, just adds on to add mental pressure, which can compromise your preparation.
Prelims is the most trickiest stage in UPSC Examination. Last 60 days is surely a DO OR DIE situation.
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS WEBINAR:
1. Know about essentials which should be part of your timetable in the next 60 days. How to make a perfect timetable in the last 60 days?
2. Every day counts and each subject counts! How much time should be devoted to each subject? Let the experts tell you!
3. 20, 30, 40 or 60 tests! How many tests are enough before prelims? Is there a magic number?
4. Not just do’s but one should be aware about the don’t as well. What mistakes one needs to avoid in last 60 days?
5. Revision is the most important part of UPSC preparation. Know about 5R Revision plan.
6. Time test Elimination techniques for prelims. How to use Tikdam/Logical reasoning to score extra 25 marks?
7. Confused between 2 options because they sound very similar. Know how to maximize efficiency while solving question?
8. Last few days is not about making long notes. Discuss the process of making micro notes in last 60 days.
Towards the end of the session, Sajal sir will hold a Q&A session for all aspirants to share their doubts and get answers from him.
Webinar Details
Prelims question papers have become more or less like a game of Sudoko. Except, in Sudoko you can solve the puzzle at your leisure and over here you are limited by 2 hours. We hope this webinar will help all 2022 aspirants implement the suggestions of Sajal sir
He is the founder and Core Faculty at CD. SajalSingh has the distinction be being 2017 topper of GS Mains. Over 400 students have emerged as toppers under SajalSir’s mentorship in the last 7 years.
Thank you messages from students who cleared Mains 2021 under the mentorship of Sajal sir
Last Minute Mentorship can help you a long wayGratitude for Mains mentorshipAppearing in Interview 2021
The fifth summit of the regional grouping, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), held virtually in Colombo on March 30, has advanced the cause of regional cooperation and integration.
Colombo package
Economic challenges: Representing a fifth of the world’s population that contributes only 4% of the global GDP, can this multilateral grouping trigger accelerated economic development?
It was clear that BIMSTEC first needed to strengthen itself — by re-defining its purpose and rejuvenating its organs and institutions.
The eventual result is now seen in the package of decisions and agreements announced at the latest summit.
Achievement of Colombo Summit
1] Adoption of Charter: Adopted formally, it presents BIMSTEC as “an inter-governmental organization” with “legal personality.”
BIMSTEC’s purposes: Defining BIMSTEC’s purposes, it lists 11 items in the first article.
Among them is acceleration of “the economic growth and social progress in the Bay of Bengal region”, and promotion of “multidimensional connectivity”.
The grouping now views itself not as a sub-regional organisation but as a regional organisation whose destiny is linked with the area around the Bay of Bengal.
2] Reduction in the sectors of cooperation: The second element is the decision to re-constitute and reduce the number of sectors of cooperation from the unwieldy 14 to a more manageable seven.
Each member-state will serve as a lead for a sector: trade, investment and development (Bangladesh); environment and climate change (Bhutan); security, including energy (India); agriculture and food security (Myanmar); people-to-people contacts (Nepal); science, technology and innovation (Sri Lanka), and connectivity (Thailand).
3] Adoption of the Master Plan for Transport Connectivity: the summit participants adopted the Master Plan for Transport Connectivity applicable for 2018-2028.
It was devised and backed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
It lists 264 projects entailing a total investment of $126 billion.
Projects worth $55 billion are under implementation. BIMSTEC needs to generate additional funding and push for timely implementation of the projects.
4] Signing of three new agreements: Finally, the package also includes three new agreements signed by member states, relating to mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, cooperation between diplomatic academies, and the establishment of a technology transfer facility in Colombo.
Challenges
The pillar of trade, economic and investment cooperation needs greater strengthening and at a faster pace.
Absence of FTA: Despite signing a framework agreement for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in 2004, BIMSTEC stands far away from this goal.
Lack of legal instruments: The need for expansion of connectivity was stressed by one and all, but when it comes to finalising legal instruments for coastal shipping, road transport and intra-regional energy grid connection, much work remains unfinished.
There needs to be mention of the speedy success achieved in deepening cooperation in security matters and management of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).
Focus more on new areas: BIMSTEC should focus more in the future on new areas such as the blue economy, the digital economy, and promotion of exchanges and links among start-ups and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Step up the personal engagement of political leadership: The personal engagement of the political leadership should be stepped up.
The decision taken in Colombo to host a summit every two years is welcome if implemented.
India’s turn to host the G20 leaders’ summit in 2023 presents a golden opportunity, which can be leveraged optimally. Perhaps all its members should be invited to the G20 summit as the chair’s special guests.
Simplify the groupings name: The suggestion to simplify the grouping’s name needs urgent attention.
The present name running into 12 words should be changed to four words only — the Bay of Bengal Community (BOBC).
It will help the institution immensely. Brevity reflects gravitas.
Conclusion
BIMSTEC is no longer a mere initiative or programme. The question to address is whether it is now capable of tackling the challenges facing the region.
The image of the institution of police is regrettably tarnished by allegations of corruption, police excesses, lack of impartiality and close nexus with the political class.
Police and investigation agencies need social legitimacy
The police and investigative agencies may have de-facto legitimacy, but as institutions, they are yet to gain social legitimacy.
Police should work impartially and focus on crime prevention. They should also work in cooperation with the public to ensure law and order.
The CBI possessed immense trust of the public in its initial phase.
But with the passage of time, like every other institution of repute, the CBI has also come under deep public scrutiny.
The need of the hour is to reclaim social legitimacy and public trust.
Issues affecting the system and causing delay in trial
Lack of infrastructure, lack of sufficient manpower, inhuman conditions, especially at the lowest rung, lack of modern equipment, questionable methods of procuring evidence, officers failing to abide by the rule book and the lack of accountability of erring officers.
Then there are certain issues that lead to delays in trials.
They are: Lack of public prosecutors and standing counsels, seeking adjournments, arraying hundreds of witnesses and filing voluminous documents in pending trials, undue imprisonment of undertrials, change in priorities with the change in the political executive, cherry-picking of the evidence, and repeated transfers of officers leading to a change in the direction of the investigation.
Way forward
Break the nexus with political executive: The first step to reclaim social legitimacy and public trust.is to break the nexus with the political executive.
Reform of the police system is long overdue in our country.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has itself recognised the glaring need for the same in the “Status Note on Police Reforms in India”.
Comprehensive law: Our investigative agencies still do not have the benefit of being guided by a comprehensive law.
Independent and autonomous investigative agency: The need of the hour is the creation of an independent and autonomous investigative agency.
Umbrella organisation: There is an immediate requirement for the creation of an independent umbrella institution, so as to bring various agencies like the CBI, SFIO, and ED under one roof.
This body is required to be created under a statute, clearly defining its powers, functions and jurisdictions.
Such a law will also lead to much-needed legislative oversight.
Separation of prosecution and investigation: One additional safeguard that needs to be built into the scheme, is to have separate and autonomous wings for prosecution and investigation, in order to ensure total independence.
Annual audit of performance: A provision in the proposed law for an annual audit of the performance of the institution by the appointing committee will be a reasonable check and balance.
Strengthening state investigative agencies: There is no reason why state investigative agencies, which handle most of the investigations, cannot enjoy the same level of credibility as that of the national agency.
The proposed Central law for the umbrella investigative body can be suitably replicated by the states.
Ensure women’s representation: An issue that needs addressing at this stage is the representation of women in the criminal justice system.
Often, women feel deterred in reporting certain offences due to a lack of representation.
Relations with community: Relations between the community and police also need to be fixed.
This is only possible if police training includes sensitisation workshops and interactions to inspire public confidence.
Consider the question “The police and investigative agencies may have de-facto legitimacy, but as institutions, they are yet to gain social legitimacy. In the context of this, examine the challenges faced by the police and the investigative agencies in India and suggest ways to help them gain social legitimacy.”
Conclusion
It is imperative for the police and the public to work together to create a safe society. Ultimately the police must remember that their allegiance must be to the Constitution and the rule of law and not to any person.
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