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  • Next government must urgently fix ‘unnecessarily complex’, counter-productive GST: 13th Finance Commission chair

    Why in the news? 

    Recently Vijay Kelkar (chaired 13th Finance Commission) attributes frauds in Indirect Tax regimes to high GST rates; Moots switched to a single 12% rate like most other countries.

    Reason behind the need for a Single GST rate:

    • Simplification of the structure: A single GST rate would simplify the structure, making it easier for businesses to comply with the tax system and reducing the complexity of classification issues
    • Promotion of manufacturing and exports: A single GST rate could help promote manufacturing and exports by reducing the burden of multiple rates and making the tax system more predictable
    • Single GST rate in many countries: In many developed and emerging market economies, a single GST or VAT rate has been successful in optimizing tax revenue and minimizing tax disputes for example Singapore, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates, and Japan, have opted for a single GST or VAT rate
    • Addressing GST frauds: High GST rates can make it lucrative for fraudsters to evade taxes. A single, lower GST rate could potentially reduce the incentive for tax evasion and make the system more transparent
    • Reducing litigation: A single GST rate could help reduce litigation related to classification issues and subjective interpretation of tax rates

    How does the Indian GST model compare with GST in other countries?

    Particulars India  Canada UK Singapore
    Name of GST in the Country Goods and Service tax Federal Goods and Service Tax & Harmonized Sales Tax Value Added Tax Goods and Service Tax
    Standard Rate 0% (for food staples), 5%, 12%, 18% and 28% (+cess on luxury items) GST 5% and HST varies from 0% to 15% 20 %Reduced rates- 5 %, exempt, zero rated 7% Reduced rates- Zero rated, exempt
    Threeshold Exemption Limit Rs.40 lakh or Rs.20 lakh, depending on the state and supply Canadian $ 30,000 £ 85,000 Singapore $ 1 million
    Liability arises on Accrual basis: Issue of invoice ORReceipt of payment-earlier Accrual basis: The date of issue of invoice OR the date of receiptof payment- earlier. Accrual Basis: Invoice OR PaymentOR Supply-earliestCash basis (T/O up to 1.35mn): Payment Accrual Basis: Issue of invoice OR Receipt of payment OR Supply – earliestCash basis: (T/O up to SGD$1mn): Payment
    Reverse Charge Mechanism Applies on goods as well as services Reverse charge applies to the importation of services andintangible properties Applicable Reverse charge applies to the supply of services
    Exempt Supplies Sale of land and completed buildings, certain healthcare and educational services, essential food items, etc. Real estate, financial services, rent (Residence), charities, health, education Medical, education, finance, insurance, postal services Real estate, Financial services, Residential rental

    Significance of sharing GST with local bodies:

    • Promoting Co-operative Fiscal-federalism: Sharing GST revenues with local bodies could promote fiscal federalism by ensuring a fair distribution of tax revenues among all tiers of government.
    • Strengthening of their Fiscal base: Equitable sharing of GST with the third tier of government, i.e., local bodies, would strengthen their fiscal base and enable them to undertake investments for vital infrastructure and high-quality public goods
    • Building Fairness and appropriateness: GST is a consumption tax, and taxpayers should see direct benefits accruing from their payment of taxes. An arrangement for sharing GST revenues with local bodies would be fair and appropriate
    • Improves Local governance: Sharing GST revenues with local bodies would bolster the quality of governance provided by local governments, as citizens’ demand for quality public goods will grow louder.

    BACK2BASICS:

    About Goods and Services Tax:

    • GST was introduced through the 101st Constitution Amendment Act, 2016. It is one of the biggest indirect tax reforms in the country.
    • It was introduced with the slogan of ‘One Nation One Tax’.The GST has subsumed indirect taxes like excise duty, Value Added Tax (VAT), service tax, luxury tax etc.
    • It is essentially a consumption tax and is levied at the final consumption point.
    • Tax Structure:
    • Central GST to cover Excise duty, Service tax etc, State GST to cover VAT, luxury tax etc. and Integrated GST (IGST) to cover inter-state trade.
    • IGST per se is not a tax but a system to coordinate state and union taxes.
    • It has a 4-tier tax structure for all goods and services under the slabs- 5%, 12%, 18% and 28%.

    Conclusion: Implementing a single GST rate streamlines compliance, promotes economic growth, and curbs fraud. Sharing GST revenue with local bodies strengthens fiscal bases, fosters fairness, enhances governance, and supports fiscal federalism for equitable distribution.

  • In news: Total Solar Eclipse

    Why in the news?

    A rare Total Solar Eclipse will be visible across North America on April 8.

    What are Eclipses?

    • Eclipses are astronomical events that occur when the sun, moon, and Earth align in specific ways.
    • There are two primary types of eclipses: solar and lunar.
    1. A solar eclipse happens when the moon comes between the sun and Earth during a new moon, blocking out the sun’s light.
    2. Conversely, a lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is positioned between the sun and the moon during a full moon, casting a shadow on the moon.

    What is a Total Solar Eclipse?

    • During a total solar eclipse, the moon passes between the sun and Earth, entirely covering the face of the sun along a small path of our planet’s surface.
    • This is called the “path of totality.”
    • The daytime sky turns dark, similar to dusk or dawn, and nocturnal animals have been known to wake up, confused into believing night has arrived.

    Stages of a Total Solar Eclipse

    A total solar eclipse unfolds in several distinct stages.

    1. It starts with a partial eclipse phase as the moon begins to pass between Earth and the sun, partially blocking it and leaving the sun looking like it has a crescent shape.
    2. In the subsequent Baily’s Beads phase, points of light from the sun shine around the moon’s edges because of the irregular lunar topography, producing small beads of light.
    3. In the diamond ring phase, a single bright spot appears along the lunar edge even as the sun’s atmosphere leaves a ring of light around the moon. This phenomenon precedes totality.
    4. After totality, the other phases repeat as the moon keeps moving along its path until the eclipse ends.

    Other types of solar eclipses:

    1. Partial Solar Eclipse
    • This happens when the sun, moon and Earth are not exactly lined up.
    • The sun appears to have a dark shadow on only a small part of its surface.
    1. Annular Solar Eclipse
    • An annular eclipse happens when the moon is farthest from Earth. Because the moon is farther away from Earth, it seems smaller. It does not block the entire view of the sun. The moon in front of the sun looks like a dark disk on top of a larger sun-coloured disk. This creates what looks like a ring around the moon.
    • During a solar eclipse, the moon casts two shadows on Earth. The first shadow is called the Umbra. This shadow gets smaller as it reaches Earth. It is the dark centre of the moon’s shadow.
    • The second shadow is called the Penumbra. The penumbra gets larger as it reaches Earth. People standing in the penumbra will see a partial eclipse. People standing in the umbra will see a total eclipse.

    Why don’t solar eclipses happen at every New Moon?

    • The reason is that the Moon’s orbit tilts 5° to Earth’s orbit around the Sun.
    • Astronomers call the two intersections of these paths nodes.
    • Eclipses only occur when the Sun lies at one node and the Moon is at its New (for solar eclipses) or Full (for lunar eclipses) phase.
    • During most (lunar) months, the Sun lies either above or below one of the nodes, and no eclipse happens.

    PYQ:

    2013:

    Consider the following phenomena

    1. Size of the sun at dusk

    2. Colure of the sun at dawn

    3. Moon being visible at dawn

    4. Twinkle of stars in the sky

    5. Polestar being visible in the sky

    Which of the above are optical illusions?

    (a) 1, 2 and 3

    (b) 3, 4 and 5

    (c) 1, 2 and 4

    (d) 2, 3 and 5

     

    Practice MCQ:

    Which of the following statements best characterizes a Total Solar Eclipse?

    (a) A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon partially blocks the Sun, leaving a visible ring of sunlight around the Moon’s silhouette.

    (b) During a total solar eclipse, the Moon completely covers the Sun, casting a shadow on a narrow path on the Earth’s surface called the umbra.

    (c) Total solar eclipses occur more frequently than partial solar eclipses due to the precise alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon.

    (d) Total solar eclipses can only be observed from specific locations on Earth, making them rare and highly sought-after astronomical events.

  • Ikshvaku Period Lead Coins unearthed in Phanigiri

    Why in the news?

    • Telangana’s Department of Heritage has recently unearthed a lead coin hoard belonging to Ikshvaku Period at Phanigiri, a renowned Buddhist heritage site.
    • The coins numbering 3,730 bore an elephant symbol on the obverse and a Ujjain symbol on the reverse.

    Who were the Ikshvaku (225-340 A.D)?

    1. Origin and Rule
    • The Ikshvaku dynasty was a feudatory under the patronage of the Satavahanas.
    • Their capital was located at Vijayapuri, modern-day Nagarjunakonda in Andhra Pradesh.
    • They ruled over the delta of the Krishna and Godavari rivers on the east coast of the Andhra region.
    • They claimed to be descendants of the legendary king Ikshvaku, mentioned in ancient Sanskrit texts such as the Rigveda and Ramayana.
    • The dynasty’s founder was Vasishthiputra Chamtamula, who rose to power after the decline of the Satavahana dynasty.
    1. Cultural Affiliations
    • The Ikshvakus were Shaivites and performed Vedic rites, but they also patronized Buddhism, which flourished during their reign.
    • Under the reign of Vasishthi-putra Ehuvala Chamtamula, the Ikshvaku kingdom reached its zenith, marked by the construction of numerous Hindu and Buddhist shrines.
    • Their inscriptions and coins have been discovered at various archaeological sites, including Nagarjunakonda, Jaggayyapeta, Kottampalugu, Gurazala, Rentala, and Uppugunduru.
    1. Decline:
    • Successive rulers, such as Mathari-putra Vira-purusha-datta, Vasishthi-putra Ehuvala Chamtamula, and Vasishthi-putra Rudra-purusha-datta, contributed to the expansion and governance of the kingdom.
    • By the mid-4th century, the Pallavas had gained control of the former Ikshvaku territory, marking the decline of the dynasty.

    About Phanigiri

    • Phanigiri village derived its name from the shape of the hillock, which appears to be like a snake hood.
    • The word Phani in Sanskrit means snake and Giri means hillock.
    • Studies suggest that the village had a vibrant life from 1000 BC to 18th century AD.
    • Phanigiri is believed to be one of the important Buddhist monasteries strategically located on the hilltop, on the ancient trade route (Dakshinapatha) connecting the west and the east coast of the Deccan.
    • Various stages of earlier excavations here discovered Mahastupa, apsidal Chaityagrihas, Votive stupas, pillared congregation halls, Viharas, platforms with staircases at various levels, octagonal stupa chaitya, 24-pillared mandapam, circular Chaitya.
    • Cultural materials included terracotta beads, semi-precious beads, iron objects, Brahmi label inscriptions and holy relic casket.

     

     

    PYQ:

    [2017] How do you justify the view that the level of excellence of Gupta Numismatic Art is not at all noticeable in later times?

  • Mangal Pandey: A Revolutionary Icon of Indian Independence

    Why in the news?

    It was on April 8th 167 years ago in 1857, Mangal Pandey was hanged.

    Who was Mangal Pandey?

    • Mangal Pandey, born on July 19, 1827, in Nagwa village of the Ballia district in present-day Uttar Pradesh.
    • He belonged to the kingdom of Awadh, which had been treacherously annexed by the British in 1856.
    • At the age of 22, he enlisted as a soldier in the British East India Company’s army, joining the 34th Bengal Native Infantry.

    Recap of his revolutionary activities

    1. Annexation of Awadh
    • The Begums of Awadh had an understanding with the British, and had been abiding by the terms of the agreement.
    • In spite of this, Awadh was annexed, in February 1856, which was greatly resented by the people.
    • Awadh was a region that supplied large numbers of soldiers of war to the Company’s army.
    • There were 75,000 soldiers from Awadh, and almost every agricultural family in the kingdom had a representative in the army.
    • Whatever happened in Awadh was of immediate concern to the Sepoy.
    1. Rise of Resentment
    • The deposition of the Nawab and the confiscation of the villages of taluqdars during the land revenue settlement of 1856 caused outrage.
    • Some 14,000 petitions were received from the Sepoys about the hardships they faced on account of the revenue system.
    • Mangal Pandey represented the discontent that the misery of British rule had brought upon peasant families.
    1. Flashpoint and the mutiny
    • Mangal Pandey was stationed at Barrackpore, near Calcutta (now Kolkata), where he became involved in a significant event that would later be known as the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857.
    • He refused to use the newly introduced Enfield rifle, the cartridges of which had a covering that was believed to be made of animal fat (beef and pork), and which had to be bit open before the cartridges could be used.
    • This was viewed by the soldiers as a direct assault on their religious beliefs by the British who intended to bring an end to their religion and propagate Christianity.
    • On March 29, 1857, Pandey mutinied and fired at his Senior Sergeant Major.
    • He was overpowered and hanged on April 8, 1857, by the order of a Court Martial at Lal Bagan in Barrackpore.
    • His regiment was disbanded, like the 19th infantry at Behrampore, for showing resentment.

    PYQ:

    [2019] The 1857 Uprising was the culmination of the recurrent big and small local rebellions that had occurred in the preceding hundred years of British Rule. Elucidate.

     

  • AgniKul ‘Agnibaan SOrTeD’ Mission

    Why in the news?

    • For the second time, the launch of AgniKul ‘Agnibaan SOrTeD’ has been postponed.
    • The IIT Madras-based Agnikul Cosmos was to test-fire an Agnibaan rocket with 3D-printed engine, aiming for suborbital flight trajectory control.

    What is Agnibaan SOrTeD (Suborbital Tech Demonstrator)?

    • Agnibaan SOrTeD is a single-stage launch vehicle powered by Agnikul’s patented Agnilet semi-cryogenic engine.
    • In contrast to traditional sounding rockets, Agnibaan SOrTeD’s vertical take-off and precise trajectory enable orchestrated maneuvers during flight.

    Distinct Features of Agnibaan:

    • Customizability: The rocket offers custom launch configurations, either single or two-stage launches.
    • Dimensions: Standing at 18 meters and weighing 14,000 kg, Agnibaan SOrTeD is a powerful presence.
    • Payload Capacity: With a capacity for payloads of up to 100 kg, it can reach altitudes of 700 km in five different Lower Earth Orbits (LEOs).
    • Engine Configuration: The first stage can house up to seven Agnilet engines, powered by Liquid Oxygen and Kerosene, dependent on the mission’s requirements.
    • Launch Pedestal ‘Dhanush’: AgniKul’s built ‘Dhanush’ supports the rocket’s mobility across configurations, ensuring compatibility with multiple launch ports.
    • Agnilet Engine: Agnilet engine, a 3D-printed, single-piece, 6 kN semi-cryogenic marvel, drives Agnibaan’s propulsion. The engine employs a novel blend of liquid kerosene and supercold liquid oxygen as propellants.

    PYQ:

    [2011] Satellites used for telecommunication relay are kept in a geostationary orbit. A satellite is said to be in such an orbit when:

    1.    The orbit is geosynchronous.

    2.    The orbit is circular.

    3.    The orbit lies in the plane of the Earth’s equator.

    4.    The orbit is at an altitude of 22,236 km

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

    (b) 1, 3 and 4 only

    (c) 2 and 4 Only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

  • What is Project Akashteer?

    Why in the news?

    • The Indian Army’s Corps of Army Air Defense has initiated the induction of control and reporting systems under ‘Project Akashteer’ to bolster its air defense capabilities.

    About Project Akashteer

    • The Akashteer Project is an initiative designed to automate air defence control and reporting processes by digitising the entire process.
    • It is developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) as part of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
    • It seeks to induct Akashteer Command and Control Systems
    • By integrating radar and communication systems at all levels into a unified network, ‘Akashteer’ aims to deliver an unprecedented level of situational awareness and control.
    • This will enable swift engagement of hostile targets, significantly reduce the risk of fratricide, and ensure the safety of friendly aircraft in contested airspace.

    How it will help India’s air defence system?

    The ‘Akashteer Command and Control Systems’ will significantly enhance India’s air defense capabilities in several ways:

    1. Efficiency and Integration: Digitizing Air Defence Control and Reporting processes with ‘Akashteer’ will improve efficiency and integration. This enables the Indian Army to respond swiftly to hostile threats while reducing the risk of friendly fire incidents.
    2. Situational Awareness: ‘Akashteer’ integrates radar and communication systems into a unified network, providing the Indian Army with better situational awareness. This enables them to detect and engage hostile targets more effectively, ensuring the safety of friendly aircraft in contested airspace.
    3. Mobility and Resilience: The system’s vehicle-based and mobile Control Centers are designed for operational capabilities even in challenging communication environments. This ensures that the Indian Army can operate effectively in diverse terrain and adverse conditions.
    4. Automation: Deployment of ‘Akashteer’ represents a move towards complete automation of air defense operations. This enhances the Indian Army’s ability to defend its airspace, ensuring a safer and more secure future for the country.

    PYQ:

    [2018] What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news?

    (a) An Israeli radar system

    (b) India’s indigenous anti-missile programme

    (c) An American anti-missile system

    (d) A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea

  • 8th April 2024 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

    [WpProQuiz 1642]

    [WpProQuiz_toplist 1642]

    UPSC 2024 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

  • [8 April 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Shaping India’s path to inclusive Health Care

    [8 April 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Shaping India’s path to inclusive Health Care

    PYQ Relevance:

    Mains: 
    Q) Public health system has limitation in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest? (UPSC CSE 2015) 
    Q) The increase in life expectancy in the country has led to newer health challenges in the community. What are those challenges and what steps need to be taken to meet them? (UPSC CSE 2022) 

    Prelims:
    With reference to National Rural Health Mission, which of the following are the jobs of Asha, a trained community health worker?  (UPSC CSE 2012) 
    1) Accompanying women to the health facility for antenatal care checkups
    2) Using pregnancy test kits for early detection of pregnancy
    3) Providing information on nutrition and immunization
    4) Conducting the delivery of babySelect the correct answer using the codes given below:
    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
    (b) 2 and 4 only
    (c) 1 and 3 only
    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

    Note4Students: 

    Prelims: National Health Policy; Ayushman Bharat;

    Mains: Health Issues in India; Universal Health Coverage;

    Mentor comments: Indian Health Policies since Independence have neglected diverse perspectives critical for public health systems at the local level. This diversity impacts the nature of policies made, “because we are looking only from a certain lens”. Recently, with the passage of World Health Day 2024, WHO promoted the idea that ‘Health Equity’ is a source of optimism for millions of people, going beyond social justice or legislative change. Now the issue is with the theme of World Health Day ‘my health – my right’. How should access to health be envisaged? Given that health is a state subject (Seventh Schedule) and the ‘Universal Health Coverage’ policy is envisaged at the National level, there is a need for discourses on implementation. 

    Let’s learn. 

    —

    Why in the News?

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared health to be a fundamental human right. 

    • India’s ‘Health Equity’ issues require a comprehensive approach that goes beyond improvements in healthcare facilities.
    About World Health Day 2024:

    World Health Day (April 7) unites every country around ‘Health Equity’, an essential topic at the heart of global health and justice. 

    Theme for 2024: “My Health, My Right”.Although over 140 nations recognize health as a Constitutional right, the WHO Council on the ‘Economics of Health for All’ reported that more than half the world’s population needs complete access to essential health services. 

    There is an alarming gap in Indian health-care access, which was highlighted especially during the COVID-19 epidemic, environmental crises, and growing socio-economic gaps. 

    What is meant by Health Equity?

    ‘Health Equity’ ensures that every person has an equal opportunity to achieve their highest health potential, no matter what their circumstances. 

    WHO’s idea behind Health Equity – Ensuring Everyone’s Right to Health:

    • Aim: To eliminate unfair and preventable health disparities among different social and economic categories.
    • Significance:
      • Builds Equality: True health equity addresses the root causes of health inequities, such as poverty, discrimination, and limited access to resources.
      • Universal Coverage: Pandemics, climate change, and sociopolitical unrest exacerbate health inequities, particularly in diverse countries like India.
    What does the Indian Statistics say?

    1) 2011 Census: 

    Infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, are 1.5 times more common in slums due to overcrowding and poor sanitation as compared to non-slum areas, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research. Disparities across caste and gender are profound. 

    2)National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 (2019-21) 

    Minorities: SCs and STs experience higher child mortality and lower immunization rates. 59% of women in the lowest wealth quintile suffer from anemia, demonstrating the intersection of caste, gender, and economic status in health outcomes.Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for more than 60% of all fatalities in India. The economic effect of NCDs could surpass $6 trillion by 2030.

    3)Public Health Foundation of India:
    Shortage of Doctors: The WHO data indicates that there are only 0.8 doctors per 1,000 people, which is below the advised ratio. Even though over 75% of Health-care professionals work in metropolitan regions, which only account for 27% of the population, the shortage is particularly severe in rural areas. 
    • Limitations in India:
      • Diversity: The road to health equity is fraught with difficulties, ranging from deeply ingrained social injustices to global systemic health concerns, particularly in multicultural countries such as India.
      • Comprehensive Planning: Achieving health equity requires a comprehensive approach beyond legislative reform, addressing socioeconomic determinants of health.
      • Collaboration and Coordination: Realizing health potential demands collective effort by governments, communities, and individuals to remove barriers.
      • Accessibility: Health equity includes targeting marginalized and vulnerable groups, climate change disproportionately impacting low-income and vulnerable people, and conflicts disrupting healthcare provision.

    Initiatives Taken by Government:

    • Ayushman Bharat Initiative: This initiative provides free health coverage to the bottom 40% economically, demonstrating a commitment to reducing health disparities.
    • National Health Mission (NHM): It includes both the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM), thus reducing the healthcare gap between rural and urban India. It expands its access by strengthening infrastructure and providing essential services to vulnerable populations.

    Way Forward:

    • Requires a Comprehensive Approach: To move India towards Universal Health Coverage and a more equitable future, the government, civil society, healthcare providers, and communities need to work together.
    • Tap Organizations Together: Organizations (Non-Governmental organizations and Civic Societies) with a strong local presence are essential for health equity. They actively participate in every phase, from planning to evaluation, to guarantee the relevance and effectiveness of health programs. 
    • Successful collaborations: Need for open communication, respect for one another, and common goals because this can strongly emphasize empowering communities, sharing knowledge, and building capacity. For Example, WHO, the Global Fund and Gavi support health initiatives.
    • Building R&D: Research institutes and academic institutions offer crucial insights into health inequalities and the efficacy of interventions, assisting in creating evidence-based practices and policies supported by scientific studies.
  • 7 writing styles of IAS Rankers | Straight from Ranker Answer Booklets | Webinar by Shubham Sir

    7 writing styles of IAS Rankers | Straight from Ranker Answer Booklets | Webinar by Shubham Sir

    Target 110+ in your GS1-4. Strategy for UPSC Mains 2024

    Join FREE Webinar on 8th April, 7:00 pm

    First 100 will get free evaluation and mentorship session

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    Answer Booklets of Rankers serve 3 purposes

    1. You understand how answer writing standards have been rising through the years. A small eg. AIR 1, 2017 Anudeep Durishetty covered all dimensions supported by factual information. This year’s AIR 1, Ishita Kishore was a natural writer. Less facts but better structure, better flow.
    2. It is the only way to understand what UPSC considers a top-notch answer NOW in 2024.
    3. It tells you the level of competition and how far you have to go.

    It is exceptionally hard to interpret answer booklets of Rankers and draw insights from them. Shubham Sir has done all the heavy lifting. Attend his session and get a clear idea of where you should be progressing.

    Register for Shubham Sir’s Webinar

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  • [6 April 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Parliaments past, a mirror to changing dynamics

    [6 April 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Parliaments past, a mirror to changing dynamics

    PYQ Relevance:

    Mains: 

    Q. The role of individual MPs (Members of Parliament) has diminished over the years and as a result healthy constructive debates on policy issues are not usually witnessed. How far can this be attributed to the anti-defection law, which was legislated but with a different intention? (UPSC CSE 2013)
    Q. To what extent, in your view, the Parliament can ensure accountability of the executive in India? (UPSC CSE 2021)

    Prelims:

    We adopted parliamentary democracy based on the British model, but how does our model differ from that model?​ (UPSC CSE 2021)

    1. As regards legislation, the British Parliament is supreme or sovereign but in India, the power of the Parliament to legislate is limited.
    ​2. In India, matters related to the constitutionality of the Amendment of an Act of Parliament are referred to the Constitution Bench by the Supreme Court.​

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.​

    (a) 1 only ​(b) 2 only​(c) Both 1 and 2 ​(d) Neither 1 nor 2

    Note4Students: 

    Mains: Parliamentary Democracy; 

    Mentors Comment: We Indians have been through ‘thick and thin’ as our Democracy has evolved. Since the 16th and 17th Loksabha, all have been doubts relating to the accountability of people’s Representation in Parliament due to the reduced Debates and discussions in Parliamentary sessions. Now, as we move towards the general election of 2024, the question arises: will history repeat itself? Or, will a new precedent be set? This prompts us, as citizens of India, to reflect on the performance of our Parliament as we wait to usher in the 18th Lok Sabha.

    Let’s learn. 

    —

    Why in the News?

    The present conduct of business in both Houses of Parliament points out the need for a revitalization of legislative engagement in a more constructive manner.

    • The 17th Lok Sabha (2019-2024) concluded its proceedings marking the culmination of a journey with unexpected twists and turns.

    How did Ministries fare during the 17th Loksabha?

    • Decline in Executive Accountability: The PMO found itself flooded with 1,146 questions from Rajya Sabha Members of Parliament, of which only 28 were answered. Similarly, the House of the People also witnessed a sharp decline, from 5,000 during the 15th and 16th Lok Sabhas to a mere 1,700 in the 17th Lok Sabha.
      • Ministry of Finance tasked with steering the nation’s fiscal destiny, has witnessed a gradual erosion of parliamentary interest, declining to the fourth and fifth position in the Parliament.
    • Decline in Legislative Process: The annual average of Bills passed declined from 65 in the 1952-1990 period to 48 in 1991-2023. The number of Bills sent to committees for scrutiny also dwindled consistently, with the 17th Lok Sabha sending only 16% of Bills for scrutiny, the lowest in the past four Lok Sabhas.
    • A decline in Debates and Discussions: Before 1990, each Lok Sabha typically convened for over 550 days on average, spanning 3,500 hours. The 17th Lok Sabha had the least number of sittings, only 274 days on average.
      • The Ministry of Home Affairs, which was the Ministry with the second most number of questions directed towards it till the 15th Lok Sabha, has now faded. This shift raises questions about the nation’s priorities.
    • Decline in the use of various parliamentary tools:
      • Calling Attention Motion: It is a vital tool allowing MPs to draw attention to issues and elicit responses from ministers was extensively used between 1957 and 1990, with an average of 300 notices allowed per Lok Sabha. Post-1990, only 40 notices have been allowed per Lok Sabha. The 17th Lok Sabha allowed only one such discussion.
      • For example, the Winter Session, 2023 of the Rajya Sabha missed a crucial discussion on the sensitive and key issue of ‘Suicides among students due to competitive exams’.
    • The Adjournment Motion: It is employed to address urgent issues with a subsequent vote, and serves as an expression of disagreement with the government’s policies. Pre-1990, the Lok Sabha permitted discussion and voting on four such motions on average. Post-1990, this number decreased to three. The 16th and 17th Lok Sabha allowed no adjournment motions.
    • Ministries such as Health and Family Welfare, Home Affairs, Defence, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, and Finance, made up 36.6% of all disallowed questions in Rajya Sabha. In contrast, in the Lok Sabha, they made up 37.8% of the disallowed questions, underscoring systemic challenges.

     Way Forward:

    • Need for 15-point Reform: As recommended by the Vice President, it is required to make the Charter function effectively and efficiently by ensuring that the members of the committee are nominated based on domain knowledge and for a longer assured term.
    • Need to work on Democratic Principles: To maximize the Parliament’s ability to hold the executive accountable, it is crucial to promote a conducive environment for constructive debate, scrutiny, and oversight.

    https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/parliaments-past-a-mirror-to-changing-dynamics/article68033393.ece

    https://www.thehindu.com/data/the-many-lows-of-the-17th-lok-sabha-data/article67852889.ece

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