22 October 2024 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis

1. An approaching milestone in constitutional governance

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)

Topic: GS2 –  Governance

Context

The article highlights the 75th anniversary of India’s Constitution, emphasising five core constitutional values that have shaped Indian democracy. These values include respect for democratic institutions, smooth power transitions, protection of rights, federalism, and the role of media and civil society.

Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of India’s Constitution

• November 26, 2024, marks the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution, a milestone that calls for celebration by every stakeholder of Indian democracy.
• Constitutional governance in India transcends mere laws, shaping a constitutional culture deeply embedded in the collective consciousness of its people, regardless of their diverse cultures, faiths, and beliefs.

Five Core Constitutional Values Shaping India’s Democracy

1. Respect for Democratic Institutions

• The adoption of the Constitution in 1949 came at a time when India’s life expectancy was only around 32 years; today, it stands at about 70 years.
• This remarkable improvement in living standards has significantly contributed to the respect for democratic institutions among the Indian population.
• India’s social and economic progress is largely the result of the effective implementation of public policies over decades.
• Since the first general election in 1951-52, nearly 60% of the electorate has participated in elections, including a 65.79% voter turnout in the 2024 election.
• This continued participation reflects the people’s respect for democracy and faith in democratic institutions, making it a core constitutional value that has withstood the test of time.

2. Smooth Transition of Power

• Over the past seven decades, India has witnessed numerous elections, with different political parties and ideologies coming to power at both State and national levels.
• Despite intense electoral campaigns, often marked by divisive rhetoric, the smooth transition of power after each election remains a hallmark of India’s democracy.
• The Indian electorate’s understanding of problems and challenges helps shape electoral outcomes, ensuring that the people of India ultimately win every election.

3. Protection of Rights and Freedoms through Courts

• The Constitution prioritises fundamental rights, and the judiciary plays a critical role in protecting these rights.
• The framers of the Constitution, many of whom were part of the freedom movement, were deeply sceptical of state power and focused on safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.
• Their vision of balancing the role of the state with the protection of individual liberties is a core constitutional value that has grown stronger over time.

4. Federalism as a Pillar of Governance

• The framers of the Constitution recognized India’s extraordinary diversity, including its linguistic, cultural, and historical variations.
• They crafted mechanisms to protect the unique identities of the States while forging a collective national identity.
• Over time, federalism has deepened, as evidenced by the rise of State-level political parties and their contribution to national governance.
• The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, which established panchayati raj institutions and urban local bodies (nagarpalikas), have further strengthened federalism by decentralising power.

5. Role of Media and Civil Society

• The Indian media is diverse and heterogeneous, representing various perspectives across the country in multiple languages.
• The transition from print to broadcast media, and further innovations in media and technology, have democratised access to information.
• Despite challenges concerning media independence, it has played a significant role in instilling faith in democracy by promoting transparency and accountability.
• Civil society organisations also contribute to democratic governance, fostering public participation and engagement in civic issues.

Proving Naysayers Wrong

• After Independence, British officials like General Claude Auchinleck doubted India’s ability to form a unified nation, given its diverse population.
• Contrary to such predictions, India successfully forged a national identity based on constitutional ideals.
• The Constitution has not only served as a framework for governance but has also galvanised the nation’s social conscience and political consciousness.

Conclusion

• As India celebrates 75 years of constitutional governance, the country’s commitment to democratic values, federalism, and the protection of rights stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of its Constitution.

Practice Question:  Discuss the core constitutional values that have shaped India’s democratic governance since the adoption of the Constitution, with special emphasis on the role of federalism and the protection of individual rights. (250 Words /15 marks)

2. The case for a nature restoration law in India

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)

Topic: GS3 – Environment –  Environmental pollution and degradation

Context

India faces significant land degradation, with nearly 30% of its geographical area affected. A comprehensive Nature Restoration Law, modelled after the EU’s Nature Restoration Law, is urgently needed to restore ecosystems, improve agricultural productivity, and combat climate change. This legislation could also help India achieve its Sustainable Development Goals.

Introduction

• The degradation of natural ecosystems is a pressing global issue, and India, with nearly 30% of its land affected by degradation, is no exception.
• India urgently needs a comprehensive Nature Restoration Law (NRL), which could draw inspiration from the European Union’s (EU) Nature Restoration Law, enacted on June 17, 2024.

EU’s Nature Restoration Law (NRL)

• The EU’s NRL is a groundbreaking environmental regulation designed to restore Europe’s ecosystems.
• It was endorsed by a majority of EU member-states, representing 66.07% of the EU population.
• The law mandates that at least 20% of EU’s land and sea areas be restored by 2030, with full ecosystem restoration by 2050.
• The NRL is part of the EU’s Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and the European Green Deal, aimed at reversing biodiversity loss, with over 80% of Europe’s habitats in poor condition.
• Key measures include restoring 25,000 kilometres of rivers into free-flowing rivers and planting three billion additional trees by 2030.

India’s Environmental Challenges

• India faces severe environmental challenges, with land degradation affecting 97.85 million hectares (29.7%) of its total geographical area in 2018-19, up from 94.53 million hectares in 2003-05.
• Desertification is particularly alarming, with 83.69 million hectares affected, predominantly in key states like Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.
• Despite successful initiatives such as the Green India Mission, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, Integrated Watershed Management Programme, and National Afforestation Programme, India needs a more comprehensive law for nature restoration.

Proposed Nature Restoration Law for India

• A Nature Restoration Law in India could incorporate the following key elements:
  • Restoration Targets
    • India could aim to restore 20% of its degraded land by 2030 and all ecosystems by 2050.
    • The focus should be on forests, wetlands, rivers, agricultural lands, and urban green spaces.
  • Wetland Restoration
    • India should target the restoration of 30% of its degraded wetlands by 2030, with a focus on critical wetlands like the Sundarbans and Chilika Lake.
  • Biodiversity in Agriculture
    • Promoting agroforestry and sustainable agricultural practices can help restore farmlands.
    • India could use biodiversity indicators such as the butterfly or bird index to track restoration progress.
  • River Restoration
    • Restoration efforts should focus on major rivers such as the Ganga and Yamuna, addressing pollution and obstructions to create free-flowing rivers.
  • Urban Green Spaces
    • India must ensure no net loss of urban green spaces, promoting urban forests to combat degradation in cities like Bengaluru and Delhi.

Economic and Social Benefits of Restoration

• Nature restoration could generate significant economic benefits. Globally, it could yield up to $10 trillion in economic returns annually by 2030, according to the World Economic Forum.
• In India, ecosystem restoration would improve agricultural productivity, enhance water security, and create millions of jobs, especially in rural areas.
• A Nature Restoration Law would also help India achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15, which focuses on sustainable forest management and combating desertification.
• Additionally, restoring ecosystems would mitigate the effects of climate change by enhancing carbon sinks and reducing global warming.

Conclusion

• India’s adoption of a comprehensive Nature Restoration Law, similar to the EU’s NRL, is vital for addressing its growing environmental challenges.

Practice Question:  India is grappling with severe land degradation and biodiversity loss. Discuss the need for a comprehensive Nature Restoration Law in India. (250 Words /15 marks)