5 October 2023 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF
The Hindu Editorial
5-October-2023
1. Retribution for the south, accolade for the north.
Topic: GS2 – Indian polity
Introduction:
In India’s vibrant federal democracy, the relative population size of a state holds immense political and economic significance. The southern states, characterized by strong linguistic identities and regional renaissances, have surged ahead in various developmental spheres. Notably, they have achieved population control through social development and economic growth, setting them apart from their northern counterparts. However, this demographic divide has far-reaching implications for political representation and fiscal transfers in the country.
Delimitation and Political Representation:
The Indian Constitution, under Article 81, mandates that Lok Sabha constituencies should be equal in population size. This principle was initially established based on the 1971 Census and remained unchanged until the first Census after 2026. The population growth rates vary significantly between the non-Hindi-speaking southern states and the Hindi-speaking northern states.
Consequently, if constituencies were to be equalized today based on current population projections, the southern states would lose representation while the northern states would gain seats. This shift would result in an increased political representation for the northern states and a decline for the southern states.
Role of Population in Fiscal Transfers:
Every five years, India’s Union government forms a Finance Commission to recommend the distribution of tax revenue among states. Historically, population and per capita income have been crucial indicators in the distribution formula, with varying weights. Initially, population size played a substantial role in rewarding populous states.
However, over time, the weight assigned to population in the formula diminished, and the 1971 population was used instead of the 1981 figures.
Notably, this practice changed with the Fifteenth Finance Commission, which openly declared using the 2011 population in the distribution formula. Consequently, southern states faced reduced financial transfers from the Union government, as a reward for controlling their population growth.
Furthermore, per capita income, often seen as a proxy for a state’s ability to generate revenue, has been a significant factor in the distribution formula. States with higher per capita income receive a smaller share of Union tax revenue. This element of the formula tends to favor northern states.
Conclusion:
The dynamics of population control, political representation, and fiscal transfers in India’s federal democracy reflect the complex interplay between demography and politics. While southern states have made strides in population control through social change and effective policies, they face a reduction in both political representation and financial transfers. Conversely, northern states benefit from these changes, underlining the intricate balancing act that underpins India’s democratic system.
Question: Examine the role of the Finance Commission in shaping fiscal federalism in India. How have recent changes in population-based criteria impacted fiscal transfers, and what challenges do these changes pose to the Indian federal system?
2. Keeping tabs on carbon with an accounting system
Topic: GS3 – climate action.
Understanding the Climate Polycrisis:
- The term “climate polycrisis” describes the interconnected and compounding crises related to climate change, encompassing physical, social, economic, and political challenges.
- In India, climate change affects diverse sectors, including energy, infrastructure, health, migration, and food production.
Holistic Approach Needed:
- Addressing the climate polycrisis requires a holistic approach that considers various stakeholders’ perspectives and ensures resilience, equity, and justice.
- Attempting to tackle climate change sector by sector can lead to unexpected consequences, given the complex interconnections.
- To effectively combat the climate crisis, a deep transformation is necessary, creating an economy sensitive to the planet’s needs.
- This transformation involves envisioning and implementing “carbon infrastructure” that accounts for carbon flows at all levels of policy-making.
Measurement as the First Step:
- The initial step is measurement, as what cannot be measured cannot be managed. Measuring carbon emissions at individual, local, and national levels is essential.
- Once measurement systems are in place, an accounting system can help balance carbon budgets.
- National Carbon Accounting (NCA): NCA extends existing carbon accounting methodologies to the national level, incorporating individuals, households, and businesses.
- It envisions a paradigm shift, where carbon becomes integral to public finance, including the possibility of carbon tax returns alongside income tax returns.
The Role of Carbon Accounting:
- Carbon accounting, similar to financial accounting, tracks the production, removal, storage, and offsetting of carbon by companies.
- NCA will make it mandatory for businesses and individuals to declare their carbon inflows and outflows, making carbon circulation visible.
Potential Impact of NCA:
- NCA allows for a progressive carbon tax, encouraging carbon reduction by penalizing heavy carbon consumers.
- It sets targets, predicts emission reductions, and tracks progress toward environmental goals.
- A future national carbon budget could reshape the economy, fostering new technologies and collective actions.
Towards a Polysolution:
- NCA not only helps India reach its net-zero emissions goal by 2070 but also creates new livelihoods and aligns development with ecological sustainability.
- It introduces a parallel goal of “carbon GDP,” complementing traditional economic metrics and fostering a new public discourse.
Question: What are the key challenges and opportunities presented by the concept of National Carbon Accounting in the context of India’s efforts to address climate change and sustainability?
For Enquiry
5 October 2023 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF
Directive Principles of the State Policy (DPSPs)
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