Topic 1 : We need limits on election campaign spending
Context
Over the past two decades, this trend has caught up with both Central and State governments spending a lot on advertisements before elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
Limits on spending
- In a democratic country, it is essential for a government to spread awareness about its schemes and policies.
- In the first few decades in independent India, this was primarily done through public meetings.
- In the last three decades, awareness has been spread through advertisements on print and electronic media, which have a wide reach.
- However, at present, government advertisements published or broadcast before elections tend to be campaigns of the ruling party and establish personality cults.
The limit and the issues
- The election expenditure limit for candidates is ₹95 lakh per Lok Sabha constituency in larger States and ₹75 lakh in smaller States.
- It is an open secret that candidates of all major political parties breach this limit by a wide margin even when we do not consider the illegal distribution of cash and gifts to voters.
- In India, there are no limits on the expenditure of political parties during elections.
- Most of this funding comes from corporate houses and businessmen.
- This creates an unholy nexus between donors and elected representatives.
- It is the opaque nature of most of the donations coupled with the distribution of cash for votes that weakens the process of free and fair elections in India.
- The Supreme Court has struck down the electoral bonds scheme that will remove opacity in legal donations.
- But this is akin to putting a band-aid on a bullet wound as the majority of the funding continues to be in unaccounted cash.
Towards a level playing field
- The Indrajit Gupta Committee (1998) and the Law Commission report (1999) advocated state funding of elections.
- This means that the government will contribute money to political parties or candidates for them to contest elections.
- The feasibility and mechanism for implementing this measure is doubtful in the present context.
- It requires consensus among all the political parties and discipline in following the norms of such state funding.
Suggestions
- Nevertheless, the issue of the burgeoning cost of elections can be sidestepped only at our own peril.
- In this regard, certain practicable steps for creating a level playing field and ensuring free and fair elections can be implemented if there is political will.
- First, government advertisements should be banned six months prior to any general election.
- Second, the law must be amended to state that a party’s ‘financial assistance’ to its candidate should also be within the limits of election expenditure prescribed for a candidate.
- Third, there should be a ceiling on expenditure by parties. This may be kept at not more than the expenditure ceiling limit provided for a candidate multiplied by the number of candidates of the party contesting the election.
- Finally, additional judges can be appointed in High Courts for speedy disposal of election-related cases that would act as a deterrent against the violation of norms.
Conclusion
These reforms would require bipartisan political support to be effected. However, unless they are implemented, the massive expenses of election spectacles will be borne by us, ‘We the people’.
Topic 2 : A possible solution for Bengaluru’s water crisis
Context
The Karnataka water crisis has affected more than 7,000 villages, 1,100 wards, and 220 talukas thus far.
The reasons
- The problem encompasses Mandya and Mysuru districts, where a major Cauvery river watershed and the Krishnaraja Sagar dam are located, and both important sources of water to Bengaluru.
- Reports have suggested that the distal cause is the ‘insufficient’ rainfall last year, following the surplus in 2022, and the resulting under-‘replenishment’ of the Cauvery.
- Urban growth leads to reduced groundwater recharge. The groundwater recharge rate is much lower while the Cauvery’s was compromised by last year’s ‘deficient’ rain.
- Inadequate infrastructure i.e completion of Cauvery project is also the reason behind it.
- Erratic rainfall and prolonged droughts due to climate change. El Niño phenomenon cited as a cause by the Indian Meteorological Department.
- About 85% of Bengaluru’s water bodies polluted, per an EMPRI study.
- Inefficient water management practices exacerbating the crisis.
- Disputes over water sharing with neighbouring states, complicate resource management.
- Tussles between central and state governments affecting relief efforts
- Bengaluru’s lack of preparation, has made the situation is worse further.
Steps to Address the Water Crisis in Bengaluru
- Inclusive Water Governance: Inclusive representation in local water management committees and decision-making bodies to ensure that the voices of all castes are heard.
- Interlinking of Rivers: Connect surplus rivers to deficient regions.
- Promote Water Conservation: Encourage rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation.
- Invest in Infrastructure: Allocate funds for water projects and explore financing options.
- Promote Sustainable Agriculture: Support water-efficient farming practices.
- Address Pollution: Enforce regulations to combat industrial and agricultural pollution.
- Adopt One Water Approach: Manage water sources sustainably and inclusively.
- Legal measures: Strengthen and enforce laws that prohibit discrimination based on caste in accessing water resources. g.: SC/ST PoA,1989.
- Community-based water management: Empower local communities to collectively address water access challenges by actively involving members from all castes.
- Awareness generation: Conduct educational programs to raise awareness about the importance of equitable water access. Challenge stereotypes and prejudices that contribute to discriminatory practices.
Key Government Schemes To Tackle The Groundwater Crisis in India:
- MGNREGA: Supports water conservation through rural employment.
- Jal Kranti Abhiyan: Raises awareness on water conservation.
- National Water Mission: Promotes sustainable water management.
- Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY): Improves groundwater management.
- Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): Aims to provide tap water to rural households.
- National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG): Addresses Ganga basin groundwater issues.
Way forward
There is a need for bipartisan solutions that transcend the change in government every five years; a circular water economy that maximises the utility of every litre, reducing the city’s dependence on external sources; and, not to forget, a clean and healthy Cauvery.