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  • Internal Security Issues 104 – The Northeast Insurgency | Part 1

    In this article series we focus on understanding the insurgency in North-East India.

    The North-East region:

    The Northeast region of India comprises eight states – the Himalayan state of Sikkim and the contiguous seven Sister States (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura).

    northeast-map

    chickens-neck-india

     

    North East India is connected to the Indian mainland by a small corridor – Silghuri Corridor (also known as Chicken Neck – with a narrow width of only 23 kilometers.)

    Strategic Importance of the region: About 99% of the 6387 km border of this Region is international border along Bangladesh, Myanmar, China and Bhutan. It makes up close to 40% of India’s land borders with its neighbours. It thus has an extraordinarily important international strategic dimension and is a vital part of the nation’s defence architecture.

    Bridge to South East Asia: The region is a bridgehead between India and the vibrant economies of Southeast Asia, including southern China.

    Economic Significance: North East is endowed with huge natural resources (oil, gas, coal, hydro, fertile land, etc) which can be harnessed for nation development.

    A historical background of the North-East

    Pre-independence era: During the British era, the tribal groups constituted an overwhelming majority of the population in most of the areas they inhabited. Outsiders were not allowed to acquire land in the tribal areas. At the same time, the British government supported the Christian missionaries to move in and establish schools, hospitals and churches.

    There was a virtual absence of any political, cultural, social, geographical, religious or business contact of the tribals in the North-East with the rest of the India. So India’s freedom struggle had very little impact on the tribals.

    Post-independence era: The sixth schedule of the Indian Constitution provided for self rule, autonomy and decentralisation in the region. Thus district and regional councils were created.

    Initially, there was only one state of Assam and one Union Territory NEFA (North East Frontier Agency) covering the whole of north-east.

    While NEFA was developing comfortably and in harmony with the rest of the country, problems developed in other tribal areas which were a part of Assam administratively. The tribals were afraid of losing their identity and being assimilated by the policy of Assamization in government jobs and other professions.

    There were demonstrations and a major agitation developed. In 1969, Meghalaya was carved out of Assam as a ‘state within a state’. Finally, Meghalaya, Manipur, and Tripura were granted statehood in 1972.

    Meanwhile, secessionist movements developed in Nagaland and Mizoram. Nagaland was granted statehood in 1963 itself, while Mizoram became a state in 1987. Also, NEFA was renamed as Arunachal Pradesh and granted the status of a separate state in 1987.

    Difference between insurgency, terrorism, militancy and extremism

    Before we move further, it is important to understand the difference between the terms ‘insurgency’, ‘terrorism’, ‘militancy’ and ‘extremism’. [Recall the previous article series on Cross Border Terrorism, Left wing Extremism (Naxalism)]

    Militancy is a condition which experiences the use of violence, being combative or predisposed to fight. Militants can include any individual or group which takes to violence. This need not only include terrorists and insurgents, but also religious groups which take to violence to further their beliefs.

    Extremism is a state wherein a person or an organisation holds extreme political or religious views.

    If one were to compare these terms, an extremist may not necessarily be committing a crime under the law. A number of groups, political and religious, fall under this category, for instance, the separatists in Kashmir and Maoist supporters.

    Insurgency: The Indian Sub Conventional Doctrine defines insurgency as “an organised armed struggle by a section of the population against the state, usually with foreign support. Possible causes of an insurgency including ideological, ethnic or linguistic differences; or politico-socio-economic reasons and/or fundamentalism and extremism.”

    An insurgency may have within its fold both militant groups supporting it as also extremists who propagate its ideology. But, insurgents are our own citizens, whereas terrorists may not always be our own citizens.

    Present Situation of insurgency in the North-East

    The security situation in some of the north-eastern states has remained complex for a long time because of a number of militant outfits and their diverse demands. Assam, Manipur and Nagaland have continuously been a point of worry.

    The Government has steadily followed a policy of dialogue and negotiations with any outfit which agrees to forego the path of violence and come forward for peace talks within the constitutional framework of India. In general, the security situation in most of the north-eastern states has shown considerable improvement during the last 5 years.

    State wise status and reasons behind the insurgency:

     Nagaland:

    The Nagas believe that they were not part of India, whether through conquest or consent. The Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) is a Naga nationalist group operating in North-east India. The main aim of the organisation is to establish a soverign state, “Nagalim” unifying all the areas inhabited by the Naga people in Northeast India and Burma. (See the backgrounder section here for a brief history of the Naga movement)

    Issues:

    • Clashes among different tribal groups and factions
    • Presence of underground groups that deal in extortion, arms, drugs, smuggling etc.
    • Parallel government

    Recent developments:

    The govt of India and Naga insurgent group NSCN (IM) signed a peace accord on 3 August 2016. However, this is only a framework agreement. The details of the accord are yet to be fleshed out. It is likely to be followed by more detailed agreements and negotiations.

    Assam:

    The perceived threat to the political identity of the Assamese people from the illegal migrants from Bangladesh lies at the core of the Assam problem. The indigenous people of Assam feel that in future the illegal migrants will become the majority population and they will lose political power.

    Statehood demands in Assam:

    1. Bodoland
    2. Karbi Anglong
    3. Dimaraji
    4. Kamtapur

    Recent developments:

    In July 2012, violence broke out with riots between indigenous Bodos and Bengali-speaking Muslims (who were suspected to be illegal Bangladeshi muslims). Violence in Assam later had its repercussions in other parts of India, Azad maidan riots in Mumbai, Rumour mongering (via sinisterSMSs) triggered exodus of NE Indians.

    [Related reading: Assam Riots and Demand of Bodoland]

     Manipur

    The people of Manipur include the Meitei tribe, the Kuki tribe and the Naga tribe. Meitei tribe forms about 60% of the total population and lives in the plains while Nagas and Kukis live in the hill districts.

    Issues:

    • There are more militant groups in the states than anywhere else and the rivalry between these outfits often leads to greater violence.
    • The situation is further complicated because insurgent groups are not united for the same cause. The Nagas wish to annex a part of Manipur and merge with a greater Nagaland or Nagalim, which is in conflict with Meitei insurgents’ demands for an independent state.
    • Unlike other conflict theatres of the Northeast, not many ‘surrenders’ have been reported from Manipur, thus indicating the tight control that the outfits have maintained over their cadres.
    • Also, non-Manipuris are being targeted increasingly in Manipur.

    Recent developments:

    In June 2015, 18 Indian Army jawans were killed and several others were injured when suspected militants ambushed their convoy in Manipur’s Chandel district. In response to the killing of 18 of its troops by militants in Manipur, the Indian Army in one of its biggest covert missions sent troops into Myanmar to strike at two camps and, according to official estimates, killed over 20 suspected militants.

    For more details on the Manipur insurgency read the backgrounder section here.

    Related reading: Inner Line Permit controversy in Manipur

    Meghalaya

    Meghalaya is perhaps the least affected by insurgency in the north-east region.

    Problems in Meghalaya arise from the divide among various tribes as well as the divide between tribal and non tribal settlers, identity issues and growing corruption, besides the sharp changes in demography due to Bangladeshi infiltrators. Also, criminal activities like extortion and drugs smuggling are a major concern in the region. The state lies in a major smuggling route between Bangladesh and India.

    Mizoram and Tripura have shown remarkable success in controlling insurgency and now they are largely peaceful.

    Arunachal Pradesh

    The people of three eastern districts of Arunachal Pradesh, namely Tirap, Changlang and Longding live in perpetual fear due to presence of cadres of two NSCN factions in the area, who resort to kidnapping, extortion and factional feuds. These three districts are a part of NSCN-IM’s  projected state of Nagalim (Greater Nagaland).

    Arunachal Pradesh has also been used as atransit rout by the ULFA (United Liberation Front of Asom).

    The next part in this series will analyse the factors responsible for the insurgency, the challenges being faced and  the impact of insurgency on the region’s economy (click here for Part 2). This is supposed to be one of the most comprehensive series in Internal Security related Issues. Your feedback is welcome ?

  • 18 Oct 2016 | GS4 | There was a fire at Central Ammunition Depot (CAD), Pulgaon recently which claimed the lives of two Army officers, one Army jawan and 13 civilian firefighting staff. You are the Director General of Military Operations. The investigation by Army’s Court of Inquiry reveals no evidence of sabotage or a short circuit causing the fire. The investigation documents claim that some of the decisions taken by you in the past were not altogether correct.

    GS4 (Case study)

    There was a fire at Central Ammunition Depot (CAD), Pulgaon recently which claimed the lives of two Army officers, one Army jawan and 13 civilian firefighting staff. You are the Director General of Military Operations. The investigation by Army’s Court of Inquiry reveals no evidence of sabotage or a short circuit causing the fire. The investigation documents claim that some of the decisions taken by you in the past were not altogether correct. There were others also who were party to these decisions. If these documents are made public it will lead to disciplinary action with possibility of punishment against you as well as your colleagues. However, these documents can be camouflaged to mislead the public resulting into no punishment for you.

    Otherwise you are an honest and conscientious officer. But this particular decision turned out to be wrong.

    The following are the courses of action available to you. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each option.

    1. You can refer the matter to your superior and seek his advice and act strictly in accordance with the advice, even if you are not completely in agreement with the advice of your superior.

    2. You could proceed on leave and leave the matter to be dealt by your successor in office or request for transfer.

    3. You can weigh the consequences of disclosing the information truthfully, including the effect on your career, and reply in a manner that would not place you or your career in jeopardy, but at the same time a little compromise can be made on the contents of the information.

    4. You can consult other colleagues who are party to the decision and take action as per their advice.

    Also please indicate (without necessarily restricting to the above options) what you would like to advise, giving proper reasons.

    GS4 question powered by mitrasias.com

    Best answer

    Simran Bains wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 4.5/10 (if the best answer is an image, it cannot be uploaded here, hence scroll down to see those). The answer is being reproduced below for everyone’s convenience. Of course these answers can always be improved. (Best answer  of a particular only involves those given on that day, later answers may not have been checked)

    The given situation gives an opportunity to the official to reflect upon his PROBITY and HONESTY.

    The COURSE OF ACTIONS available are,

    1. SEEKING SUPERIOR’S ADVICE.

    MERITS

    •Following proper channel by bringing the matter to superior. Following Code of conduct.

    •Since I’m seeking his help and obeying his advice, chances are bright that he might save me.

    •Avoid of conflict of interest as I’ll abide by advice.

    DEMERITS

    •Might go against my concise.

    •Conflict of opinions may arise.

    2.GOING ON LEAVE,

    MERITS

    •I’ll be saved from punishment and outrage.

    •Job will be secured.

    •No blot on my image of an HONEST OFFICER.

    DEMERITS

    •Running away from my duties and responsibilities.

    •Not being able to present my case effectively and properly.

    •Evasion of accountability.

    3.DISCLOSING TRUTH BY COMPROMISING ON CONTENT OF INFORMATION

    MERITS

    •My image will not be battered.

    •I won’t face punishments.

    •Good for career progression.

    DEMERITS

    •Compromising on the pledge that I’ve taken for the services to uphold the principles of upholding honesty, transparency and integrity.

    •Tampering with evidences and information is itself a crime.

    •Lack of peace of mind because of the wrong doings.

    4.CONSULTING WITH COLLEAGUES

    MERITS

    •Burden of decision making will be shared.

    •Consulting others provides a wider view on the issue.

    DEMERITS

    •Chances of influence on the authenticity of the information.

    •Unethical decision might be taken up as everybody will try to save themselves.

    MY COURSE OF ACTION WILL BE,

    To prepare a report on the decision I took, which went wrong. The reason behind taking such decisions. And openly ADMITTING of the mistakes on my part. It was an honest mistake that was committed and as an honest officer it becomes my responsibility to boldly accept my mistake without tampering the information. Once the report is prepared, I’ll present it to my seniors for further enquiry. Though doing such thing might have implications on my career but that does not deviate me from the right path. My past work profile clearly tells about my integrity and dedication, and now it is upto the enquiring committee to consider my decisions and my intentions behind those decisions.

  • 18 Oct 2016 | GS3 | The human population boom is the biggest drain on the planet’s resources. So if we don’t consider culling humans, we do not have the right to cull other species. Critically comment in the context of current debate on culling of animals.

    GS3 (Issues related to Conservation)

    The human population boom is the biggest drain on the planet’s resources. So if we don’t consider culling humans, we do not have the right to cull other species. Critically comment in the context of current debate on culling of animals.

    Best answer

    Nitish Singh wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 4.5/10 (if the best answer is an image, it cannot be uploaded here, hence scroll down to see those). The answer is being reproduced below for everyone’s convenience. Of course these answers can always be improved. (Best answer  of a particular only involves those given on that day, later answers may not have been checked)

    The Environment Ministry’s declaration of some wild animals as “vermin” – thereby allowing their culling has spurred a debate on whether killing of animals can be considered ethical, profitable, or the need of the hour.
    The following are arguments given FOR the culling :

    a) Economic : Some wild animals are seen to transmit communicable disease to their domestic counter-parts which leads to a kind of en epidemic, causing loss of lives as well as economic loss. Ex : Bovine tuberculosis transmitted by Badgers.

    b) Utilitarianism : Killing of these vermins would bring in greater good for a large number.

    c) Structural : Prevent crop-raiding by adopting non-invasive measures, building fences has not been effective in the past. Culling remains the last resort.

    d) Legally Guaranteed : Wildlife Protection Act clearly gives an exception for vermins exclusively.

    Arguments against it :
    a) Increase in population of a particular species is not driven by nature but by Human interference. (Using interbreeding, injections for hormonal dis balance to provoke for reproducing)

    b) Ethical aspect : The method adopted to kill is against animal ethics and morally wrong.

    c) Constitutional : Article 48 of the DPSP prohibits killing of wildlife, Article 51 (Fundamental Duties) prescribes protection of wildlife as one of the duties.

    d) Intervening in a natural process may go against laws of nature.

    e) May increase the incident of illegal trade and trafficking of the animals declared vermin.

    The solution lies in bringing both the parties on board and an extensive debate happens on every minute aspect. While culling isn’t a solution, farmers economic condition cannot be overlooked. Alternative solutions may be looked for, to strike the balance between the two.

  • 18 Oct 2016 | GS2 | With few achievements in its pocket, BRICS has largely remained a dormant association. In the light of the above statement discuss what major issues/challenges are being faced by this multilateral forum and what should be done to make BRICS a genuine powerhouse.

    GS2 (International Relations)

    With few achievements in its pocket, BRICS has largely remained a dormant association. In the light of the above statement discuss what major issues/challenges are being faced by this multilateral forum and what should be done to make BRICS a genuine powerhouse.

    Best answer

    Nitish Singh wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 4/10 (if the best answer is an image, it cannot be uploaded here, hence scroll down to see those). The answer is being reproduced below for everyone’s convenience. Of course these answers can always be improved. (Best answer  of a particular only involves those given on that day, later answers may not have been checked)

    BRICS as a multi-forum association was started with much enthusiasm with world’s fastest growing economies coming on board to have better economic cooperation, as well as strategic cooperation on worldly issues. However, barring few achievements, BRICS continues to remain dormant and faces following challenges :

    a)Economic : All other major powers except for India are going through an economic slowdown.
    b) Delay in decision making has been an issue. This mainly stems due to the bilateral differences between India-China in some issues. (Example : India’s push to isolate Pakistan on grounds of terrorism while China ignoring any such statement)
    c)Formation of the Contingency Fund wasn’t taken very well by US. Also, USA-Japan were a bit skeptic about National Development Bank’s push and feared it being a counter for IMF.
    d) Influence of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) in the forum is feared by the NATO allies. India joined it in the recent past too.
    e) The forum feels more like an East-burgeoning bloc to counter the hegemonic forces of west.

    What should be done instead :
    a) Forum should be focused more on economic and social pressing issues like terrorism and loans sanctioning from NDB. Recent talks pushed about Comprehensive Cooperation on International Terrorism are right steps in this direction.
    b) Potential of sharing of resources and technology among BRICS members e.g. extension of the Russia-China gas pipeline to India would further.
    c) NDB should be pushed to issue bonds in member currencies in order to mitigate the foreign currency risk of funded infrastructure projects and help develop local currency fund- raising markets.
    d) Cooperate better to bring in stability in Afganistan region, hold peace talks, which could be a good move to push for better connectivity with the west and resources for Middle East.

    BRICS gives India the room to continue being an important player in the liberal international order. India should infact push to make BRICS a more coordinated forum as an alternative to the recently partially dumped SAARC.

  • 18 Oct 2016 | GS1 | Despite Schemes like Nirmal Bharat Abhiyaan and Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, why do people in India still defecate in the open? What measures are required to make India defecation free?

    GS1 (Indian Society)

    Despite Schemes like Nirmal Bharat Abhiyaan and Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, why do people in India still defecate in the open? What measures are required to make India defecation free?

    Best answer

    Nitish Singh wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 4/10 (if the best answer is an image, it cannot be uploaded here, hence scroll down to see those). The answer is being reproduced below for everyone’s convenience. Of course these answers can always be improved. (Best answer  of a particular only involves those given on that day, later answers may not have been checked)

    October 2nd 2014 marked the launch of a new scheme called the Swacch Bharat Abhiyan, focused on fulfilling Gandhi’s dream of seeing a clean India. The mission aims at eradicating open defecation till 2019, thus restructuring the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan.

    Although such schemes and steps have been taken place by the consecutive governments, little has changed on the ground level with a major chunk of the population still defecating in the open. Following are the reasons :

    a) Social : There is mindset problem among people who consider having a toilet at home, where apparently we also have a kitchen and a temple a “sin”. Also, manual scavenging is forced upon the lower caste people and the upper caste don’t appreciate doing the same work, but instead defecate in the open as an option.

    b) Economic : Some households wish to have a toilet but don’t have the amount of investment required to have a toilet at home.

    c) Behavioral : Some have a false notion that defecating in open is actually good for health and is a better practice.

    d) Structural : Problem with construction and designing of toilets. Most toilets under Swacch Bharat have small pits which gets filled easily and people stop using it hence.

    e) Gender-bias : Question on why should the women use the same toilet as men also is prevalent. This patriarchy also publicizes open defecation.

    Measures required :
    a) Structural : Better running-water and properly designed toilets should be prioritized.
    b) Economic : Assistance to households wanting to build a toilet.
    c) Mindset change : Information, Education and Communication(IEC), advertsiments, Nukkad Nataks, engaging NGO’s and Civil society for changing the behavior and mindset of the people must be done.
    d) Centralized water system should be the focus so that toilets get the required amount of water.

    The message of the health conditions by not having a toilet does not go down to people. We can target school children, community and SHGs to send across the message in a stronger way.

  • 18 Oct 2016 | Prelims Daily: CA Questions with Tikdams & Tidbits

    Dear students,

    When you submit your answer, if possible, give some reasoning & more info. along with the ABACAA format. Elaborate on what you know. This helps the whole community to know more and learn more!

    Q.1) Consider following statements about ‘Kigali amendment to Montreal Protocol’.

    1. Kigali Agreement is a reaffirmation of the global intent to mitigate climate change and exemplifies international co-operation in this regard.

    2. This is not a legally binding agreement to reduce use of HFCs.

    3. In all, 197 countries agreed to a timeline to reduce the use of HFCs by roughly 85 per cent of their baselines by 2045.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?  

    a) 1 and 2 only

    b) 3 only

    c) 1 and 3 only

    d) 1, 2 and 3 only

     

    Q.2) Consider following statements about China’s ‘Manned Space Mission’, which was recently in the news.

    1. This mission launched as part of China’s efforts to set up its own manned space station by 2022.

    2. This will make it the only the country to have such a facility in service as the current in-service International Space Station (ISS) retires by 2024.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?  

    a) 1 only

    b) 2 only

    c) Both 1 and 2

    d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

    Q.3) Consider following statements about ‘Botany legend Janaki Ammal’.

    1. She organised and associated with the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI).

    2. She was one of the first women scientists to receive the Padma Shri award way back in 1977.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?  

    a) 1 only

    b) 2 only

    c) Both 1 and 2

    d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

    Q.4) In 1990s, Russian Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov articulated concept of a “strategic triangle” which was associated with which of the following multilateral group?

    a) ASEAN

    b) BRICS

    c) SCO

    d) BIMSTEC

     

    Q.5) The Temple Mount (Haram esh-Sharif) is the religious site located in

    a) Indonesia

    b) Saudi Arabia

    c) Iran

    d) Jerusalem

    IMPORTANT STUFF: 

    1. These questions are mostly derived from our daily newscards. Reading daily news from Civilsdaily’s App (click here) or website + solving these questions will help you reinforce the basics.

    2. For a comprehensive preparation of IAS Prelims 2017 – consider joining one of the three Prelims Modules by CD – prelims.civilsdaily.com

    3. Solutions will be uploaded at 8 p.m. Click here for solutions.

    4. For attempting previous Prelims Daily Questions – Click here

    5. How to apply Tikdams? Read this, this and this

  • Will NOTA work for India?

    “Hi, Mom! What’s for dinner?” That was Teenager, back from his badminton practice at about 8:00 p.m.

    “Well,” I said enthusiastically, “there’s roti, beans, dal and carrot raita in curd!” That was me, happy and secure in my belief that I’m feeding all the right stuff to my family.

    “What? Beans? Uuuuuuuuuugggggggggggghhhh. NOONE eats beans, Ma, except us. And we eat it every third day! Beans, potato, beans, brinjal, beans, capsicum, beans…?”

    I looked at him speculatively. Teenager has taken this one thing from me, for sure. He can exaggerate. The boy can have a golden career as an economist, I started thinking. “The GDP growth rate of India is 7%, nnnno, its actually 7.3%, nnnnnnnnaaahhh, it’s more like 7.8%!” Yeah, he can really do a fine career out of this wonderful trait. Put him in the RBI, and your CPI will go crashing down to 4% or wherever it is that Urjit wants it to be. Put him in NITI Aayog, and you will get your growth numbers right. Put him in the Commerce Ministry, and India’s trade to world trade ratio will cross the dreaded 3% psychological benchmark in a matter of minutes! Heehee, the boy has potential, I tell you. He simply HAS to become an economist.

    “I am NOT going to eat this! Give me something interesting, Mom, I’m hungry! And I’m bored” That broke my reverie and jerked me back to reality. And the reality is that teenagers have absolutely no clue or interest in any career profiles. They have only two massive sensations. One, hunger and two, boredom. Sigh.

    “Beans are great for health! And …”

    “Mom, why can’t you make Chhole-bhature or pasta for dinner?”

    “Because the former is oily and the latter is maida. Only calories. No nutrients. Beta, dinner has to be healthy! And this week, we’ve not really had beans for about…”

    “20 hours,” piped in the Hubs, with a sly smile. “This time she has really broken all records and cooked beans within the usual 24 hour deadline!”

    “Oh, shut up, both of you! And boys, you can’t declare a strike at 8:00 p.m. Food is ready, I am beat and I am not going to cook anything else. It’s too late for that.”

    “This is so not fair!” Teenager, indignant with rage and upset at the gastronomical disappointment. “If it’s not possible to change the menu at the last minute, then ask me earlier, Mom. Next time, ask me when you go shopping for veggies. ONLY the vegetables I approve should be bought next week. Else you’ll keep on dishing out what you feel is right…”

    That’s interesting! Thought Econ Mom, surfacing suddenly in Mrs. Phadke’s kitchen. Hmmm, isn’t that exactly what the State Election Commissioner had been saying, just a couple of days ago, in our meeting at Mumbai?

    “We need to take a look beyond our usual role.” The Commissioner, as always, had come well prepared with his ideas on what needs to be done. “The role of the State Election Commission of Maharashtra (SECM) is to conduct local body elections in a free, fair and transparent manner. And we do that, to the best of our capacities and abilities. But the real question is, even if the election is conducted fairly, are people really getting a fair choice to choose from?”

    For the uninitiated reader, let me just put in a little bit of gyan. When the candidates file their nomination forms for an election, that is when the voters come to know what is the mix of people from which they select a people’s representative for themselves. With great foresight and I must say, with a lot of gumption, the state of Maharashtra offers a “NOTA” i.e. “None Of The Above” option for its voters, so that the voters do not have to always choose the least of all evils. They are getting a choice to say that they want none of the candidates at all. And this, is supposed to be an absolute triumph for democracy.

    However, deeper thought tells you that while NOTA is great for freedom of expression, the fact that hordes of people have this expression is itself worrisome. Thus, what is happening is that candidates filing nomination do not match the expectations of the electorate. The authorities know this, but they can’t do much about it. So, they decide to give the NOTA option to the electorate so that their voice can be heard loud and clear on the day of the election. “We do NOT like these candidates.” The problem is, that it is kinda late to do anything about this, just pretty much like it was too late for me to cook a different recipe for Teenager at 8 p.m.

    “The true solution is to give them a voice before the elections.” That was what the Commissioner was saying in the meeting. Is it really necessary to do that? Even while this thought hit my mind, I got the answer. “Our job is to do everything in our scope to strengthen democracy. If the electorate is not happy with the candidature, we can’t just sit around offering NOTA. NOTA might bring the issue to light, but it certainly does not resolve it.” NOTA is the dressing on the wound. The team was brainstorming on why there is the wound in the first place.

    And out of that emerged one solution. Accordingly, we’re currently doing a snap poll on voter perceptions, or what the voters want. What kind of a candidate do they really want? Do they want people who are clean, or is the priority on efficiency? How many voters feel that candidates ought to be well-educated in order to be a good representative? What proportion of voters feel that women make better representatives than men? How many people are of the opinion that good candidates stay away due to criminalization of politics?

    Data analysis will soon reveal voters’ preferences. This is to be done prior to the filing of nomination forms, so that the political party heads too will get a pulse of what the common man wants. This will hopefully feed into a more scientifically designed ticket distribution process, with at least a few deserving candidates getting the tickets. Rather like buying only those veggies that Teenager approves of. This will truly give voice to the electorate and make the process more participative, which is exactly where we want to go, right?

    Right, but, will this work? Even if the data analysis brings out these trends, are political parties going to toe the line? Are they going to go by statistics, or by the simple chemistry of dynasty and money? We all know the answer, don’t we? Then am I doing something futile? Why should we create this data-base on voter perceptions when we know that the true users of this data, the political parties, can, but won’t use it?

    I sat in my chair, post dinner, brooding over the futility issue, when Teenager started a discussion with Daddy dearest on poetry. They were both arguing about what a line in some poem meant. I was far away from the discussion, disturbed and restless. Suddenly, Teenager propped his English text in front of my eyes. “Mom? Have you ever read these lines?” he asked.

    And Econ Mom found her answer. In a dog-eared literature text-book. The answer to why a scientifically designed statistical survey has to bring out voter issues, political parties be damned. “Tis better to have loved and lost”, said Alfred Lord Tennyson, “than never to have loved at all.” Bravo.

  • Is there any recent news on the commission's advent to reduce maximum age?

    The UPSC announced that there has been talks of reducing the maximum eligible age of aspirants aiming for Civil Services to 26 years from 32 years presently. This is only for general candidates.

  • 17 Oct 2016 | GS4 | You are recently posted as district development officer for Shivamogga district, Karnataka. Shortly thereafter you found that there is considerable tension in the rural areas of your district on the issue of communalism.

    GS4 (Case study)

    You are recently posted as district development officer for Shivamogga district, Karnataka. Shortly thereafter you found that there is considerable tension in the rural areas of your district on the issue of communalism.

    Dalits and indigenous people (Scheduled Tribes or adivasis) face discrimination, exclusion, and acts of communal violence. Laws and policies adopted by the Indian government to provide a strong basis for protection are not being faithfully implemented by local authorities. On December 25, 1992 a group of 44 striking Dalit village labourers were murdered by a gang, allegedly sent by their landlords, as they were demanding higher wages.

    On 11 July 1997, a statue of B.R. Ambedkar in the Dalit colony of Sugur village was dishonoured by unknown individuals. An initially peaceful protest was fired on by the police, killing ten people. Commentators suggested that the arbitrarily violent response from the police had been the result of caste based prejudice, as the leader of the team stood accused in multiple cases involving caste-based discrimination.

    One day you are informed that an unpleasant incident has taken place. The members of the Karnataka Dalit Sangharsh Samiti (DSS) were protesting over refusal to allow a Dalit to be cremated on the land allotted by the district administration. In April, 2016 the district administration sanctioned 32 guntas of gomala land on the outskirts of Sugur village to develop a cremation ground. But those who were engaged in the cultivation of this land brought an injunction order against outsiders entering it. On Thursday, Ramaswamy (60), a Dalit resident of the village, died. When his body was taken for cremation, those cultivating the land refused to allow it. A verbal duel ensued between them and a few DSS members.

    Following this, the DSS members staged a protest.

    (a) What steps would you take to ensure safety of the Dalit community without disrupting their daily life?

    (b) How would you manage and mould discriminatory attitude of the villagers to ensure harmony?

    GS4 question powered by mitrasias.com

    Best answer

    Amruta Joshi wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 5/10 (if the best answer is an image, it cannot be uploaded here, hence scroll down to see those). The answer is being reproduced below for everyone’s convenience. Of course these answers can always be improved. (Best answer  of a particular only involves those given on that day, later answers may not have been checked)

    The case study mentioned above shows the prevalence of caste based discrimination still present in the Indian society. The situation mentioned shows the vulnerability of the dalit community towards the other elements and the discrimination they have been facing since years.

    Thus, the first need is to ensure the safety of vulnerable community and the following steps would be taken:
    1. As the case mentions about the police being insensitive to the community, there is a need to sensitize them towards the plight of dalit and reminding them of their duty to serve each and every section equally. Providing police protection to them would be the next step.
    2. Setting up of a cell to monitor the activities of other community members and a greivance redressal to solve the problems faced by the dalits would ensure in preventing conflicts and monitor their safety.
    3. Rigorous implementation of SC and ST prevention of atrocities act would be looked upon.

    Though the above steps would ensure for dalit safety but the real change has to come from the villagers who still believe in this discrimination.
    1. Roping in NGO’s and sensitizing the villagers through plays,acts about the plight of dalits.
    2. Making them realize that they too form a part of society and enjoy equal rights as everybody.

    Caste based discrimation ,today still grapples the society and the need is to change this attitude and has to largely come from the society. As , a development officer the need is to even see the social development of the society ,which is the core to ensure harmony among communities.

  • 17 Oct 2016 | GS3 | India’s cash to GDP ratio is one of the highest in world and India lags far behind when it comes to the number of cashless transactions. What are the challenges India faces in moving towards a cashless economy?

    GS3 (Science and Technology)

    India’s cash to GDP ratio is one of the highest in world and India lags far behind when it comes to the number of cashless transactions. What are the challenges India faces in moving towards a cashless economy?

    Best answer

    Aman Chauhan wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 5/10 (if the best answer is an image, it cannot be uploaded here, hence scroll down to see those). The answer is being reproduced below for everyone’s convenience. Of course these answers can always be improved. (Best answer  of a particular only involves those given on that day, later answers may not have been checked)

    From Belgium (93%) ,US ( more than 80% ) to U.K. and even economies like china increasingly adopting non cash transactions in stark contrast to our nation where less than 5% transactions are cashless .
    A cashless economy has following advantages –
    1.curbing black money – It becomes easier to check on tax evasion / corruption and keeps a check on parallel economy
    2.security to wealth of individual
    3.saving expenditure in manufacturing and transporting currency notes
    4.plugging leakages in govt disbursal and promoting inclusion
    5. Increases direct tax collection thereby more money with the govt for spending on welfare schemes and health and education sector
    But on average each Indian does about 6 non cash transactions annually due to certain challenges like –
    1.Cash transactions are quick and hassle free unlike card payments
    2.very few merchants have POS machines (1.2 million against 30 million merchants ) and is indeed true for small merchants in our neighbourhood
    3.Pos machines are costly and a percentage of sale goes as merchant discount rate to banking firms making small transactions via card non appealing to such merchants
    4.various e-wallets provide transactions only on certain services like ola wallet for rides , phone pe wallet for shopping on certain sites ,etc .
    5.inspite of financial inclusion schemes like Jan Dhan, penetration of bank branches in rural areas has been low and most of functional debit cards are accounted for in urban areas .
    Way forward –
    1. Incentivise cashless transactions by offering small income tax rebate
    2. Provide cheap PoS machines to small merchants specially in rural areas
    3. Decrease the transaction fees on such payments
    4. Unified payment interface integrated with Aadhar and a smartphone with risks scanner can be promoted as PoS machines
    5. Increase bank branches in rural areas to further inclusion
    6. Adopting an integrated universal wallet which can be used from shopping to taxi rides to recharges to pretty much anything
    7. Increase familiarity and awareness with digital payment systems
    India has a lot to gain if our economy becomes cashless . But, a gradual implementation of UPI with timely removal of digital bottlenecks is need of the hour .

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