17 April 2024 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis

Indian Express Editorial Analysis

17-April-2024

1. Moving past bonds

Topic: GS2 – Governance – Government policies – Issues arising out of their design & implementation. This topic is relevant for both Prelims and Mains in the context of understanding the challenges and reforms needed in the domain of electoral financing.

 

Context:

The Prime Minister’s recent remarks express deep concern over the Supreme Court’s ruling deeming electoral bonds unconstitutional. This decision, he suggests, has significant ramifications that warrant serious consideration and a broad perspective. His remarks highlight the intent behind introducing electoral bonds to address issues of black money in elections, but acknowledge the unintended consequences that have emerged, pushing the country further into the grip of illicit finance.

The Dilemma of Electoral Bonds:

• The Prime Minister reveals that a substantial portion of companies facing legal action from the Enforcement Directorate had purchased electoral bonds.
• Surprisingly, the distribution of these bonds did not align with expectations, with a significant portion going to parties opposed to the ruling party.
• This disconnect between cause and effect underscores the complexity of the issue and raises questions about the efficacy of the electoral bonds scheme.

Past and Present Realities:

• Contrasting opinions from the Prime Minister and Home Minister Amit Shah reflect the complexity of the situation.
• While acknowledging the flaws of the pre-2018 scenario, where a significant portion of political funding occurred through unaccounted cash, both leaders agree that reverting to this state is undesirable.
• This acknowledgment underscores the need for a nuanced approach to address the shortcomings of both the past and present systems.

Proposed Solutions: The National Election Fund:

• The article suggests reviving proposals from civil society groups and the Election Commission of India (ECI) for electoral reform.
• A central proposal is the establishment of a National Election Fund (NEF) to which donors can contribute, with liberal tax concessions offered to incentivize participation.
• The NEF would distribute funds to political parties based on objective criteria, such as their performance in the most recent election, offering a transparent and accountable alternative to the current system.

International Comparisons and Feasibility:

• Drawing on international examples, the article argues that state funding for political parties based on votes obtained is a viable solution, citing examples from various regions worldwide.
• This model, he contends, could be implemented in India to address longstanding concerns about black money in elections.

Call for Action: Electoral Finance Reforms:

• The article concludes by urging the Prime Minister to review proposals from the Election Commission regarding electoral finance reforms.
• These reforms include measures to regulate political party expenditure, establish an independent National Election Fund, enforce transparency and internal democracy within parties, and empower the Election Commission to take action against electoral malpractice.

Conclusion:

• The Prime Minister’s assertion to combat corruption underscores the urgent need for comprehensive electoral finance reforms.
• By addressing the concerns raised and implementing transparent and accountable measures, India can strengthen its democratic process and uphold the integrity of its electoral system.

What are the reforms suggested regarding electoral funding in India?

Here are some possible steps that could be taken to reform electoral funding in India: State Funding of Elections: In developed nations such as France, elections are financed through public funds. The idea of state funding of elections has been proposed by the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC), Dinesh Goswami Committee (1990) and other entities. Transparency in Electoral Bonds: Effectiveness of the electoral bonds and transparency can be achieved by disclosing the identity of donors, imposing restrictions on the quantum of funds that can be donated, and requiring political parties to disclose their sources of funding. National Election Fund: Former Chief Election Commissioner T.S. Krishnamurthy has recommended exploring the possibility of a National Election Fund with the donation based on an agreed principle, such as the number of votes received. Political parties under RTI: Incorporating political parties within the purview of the Right to Information (RTI) Act would address the problems of utilizing black money and promoting crony capitalism, among others. Other Measures: Small donations, public subsidies, and membership fees, along with strict disclosure and reporting requirements, must be encouraged to decrease the role of “big money” in influencing elections.

 

PYQ: To enhance the quality of democracy in India the Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make democracy successful? (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2017)

Practice Question:  Discuss the implications of the Supreme Court’s decision declaring electoral bonds unconstitutional on India’s electoral system. Evaluate the potential consequences of this ruling on transparency and accountability in political financing. (250 words/15 m)

2. An alternative path

Topic: GS2 – Governance – Government policies – Interventions for development in various sectors GS3 – Indian Economy This topic is relevant for both Prelims and Mains as the analysis talks about the relevance of India’s growth and development initiatives.

 

Context:

The article talks about India being a beacon of hope amidst a weak global economic outlook, with the country boasting an estimated growth rate of 7.5 percent for the past fiscal year. This growth, largely propelled by public investments, underscores the pivotal role of the private sector in shaping India’s future. From encountering women entrepreneurs in Tamil Nadu to witnessing private sector initiatives towards green and sustainable development, it became evident that India’s development trajectory showcases the transformative potential of both public and private sector endeavors.

India as a Development Sandbox:

• India’s development journey offers valuable insights that can be replicated in other countries, making it a development sandbox for testing real-world solutions.
• With practical knowledge available at central, state, and local levels, India presents a fertile ground for scaling up successful initiatives through South-South knowledge exchange.
• The article focusses on three exemplary areas: the energy transition, digital public infrastructure, and female empowerment.

Energy Transition: Pioneering Renewables:

• India has made significant strides in its energy transition, with renewable energy accounting for 42 percent of its total power generation capacity.
• As the world’s fourth-largest renewables market, India has attracted substantial investments, with close to $10 billion annually invested in renewables over the past five years.
• The country’s shift towards clean energy presents a lucrative opportunity for investors, with the World Bank contributing to this transition through substantial investments in solar parks and rooftop solar projects.

Digital Public Infrastructure: Technology for Inclusion:

• India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) initiative has revolutionized inclusion through the innovative use of technology.
• With digitally verifiable proof of identity, millions can access government services and social safety net payments seamlessly.
• The adoption of digital payments has streamlined processes and reduced delays in essential services, empowering women micro-entrepreneurs and transforming rural communities.

Female Empowerment: Bridging the Gender Gap:

• While India’s female labor force participation lags behind other countries, there are promising signs of progress.
• Initiatives such as the National Rural Livelihoods Mission have empowered rural women, mobilizing significant commercial credit to support women-led cooperatives and enterprises.
• Policies encouraging safe urban housing have further facilitated women’s entry into the workforce, potentially raising female labor force participation and contributing to India’s economic growth.

Conclusion:

• As the World Bank endeavors to scale and replicate impactful projects across emerging and developing economies, India’s experiences offer invaluable lessons.
• With its vast population and ambitious goals, India is poised to continue its significant contributions to global development, writing important chapters in the ongoing narrative of progress and prosperity.

Soft Power of India

India’s soft power is magnified through Bollywood, yoga, and the vast Indian Diaspora. Bollywood, renowned globally, is celebrated for its vivid cinematography, catchy music, and narrative richness, depicting Indian culture and values. This cinematic influence extends India’s cultural footprint, reinforcing its image as a diverse and vibrant nation. Yoga, originating in India, has surged worldwide, symbolising the nation’s holistic lifestyle. With yoga centres spanning the globe, it embodies India’s commitment to physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The Indian Diaspora, among the world’s largest, serves as a cultural bridge. These communities, deeply connected to their Indian roots, actively promote the nation’s traditions and values. High-achieving individuals of Indian origin, such as Kamala Harris, Rishi Sunak, Sundar Pichai, and Satya Nadella, contribute to a positive global perception of India. Their success underscores India’s impact in various fields, from politics to technology, enhancing the nation’s soft power and global influence.

 

Practice Question:  Explain the significance of India’s recent growth and development initiatives, focusing on key sectors like renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and female empowerment. Evaluate the potential of these initiatives to shape India’s socio-economic landscape and contribute to global development efforts. (250 words/15 m)

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