Editorial 1: Better for Voter, better for citizens
Recent Context:
- Recently Central government set up a panel headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind to explore the feasibility of the ‘one nation, one election’ (ONOE) plan.
- The idea of ONOE centres around the concept of synchronising the timing of Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections across all States to reduce the frequency of polls throughout the country.
- The are mix views with respect to simultaneous election of centre and state government.
Advantages with respect to one nation, one election
- As massive effort required in the conduct of elections and the repercussions of frequent elections on the administration and citizens at large. Therefore, ONOE has following advantages
- First, it enables the government to concentrate on governance once the elections are over.
- Due to frequent election, entire attention of the country becomes focused on these elections. As elective presentative gets deeply involved with these elections, as nobody wants to lose
- Along with it , it put extra burden on administrative machineries at various levels in varying degree which compromise the India’s growth and deliverances of services.
- Restrict the government to take major policy decision: As new key decisions are taken during elections due to the code of conduct. Therefore, key policy decisions get delayed both at the Centre and in the states and local bodies.
- Three, even when no fresh policy decision is necessary, implementation of ongoing projects gets derailed during election periods as the political executive as well as government officials would be engaged with election duties, neglecting routine administration.
- Four, check on political corruption: one of the main reasons for political corruption is frequent elections. An enormous amount of money has to be raised at every election. Election expenses of political parties can be reduced drastically if elections are held simultaneously
- There would be no duplication of fundraising. This would save the public and business community from a lot of pressure for election donations, multiple times.
- Five, Reduction in election expenditure ( Saving of pubic money):
- Expenses incurred by the EC can be reduced if elections are held simultaneously. As the EC would have to invest a considerable amount of money initially to put in place the necessary infrastructure.
- Six, Reduce the burden of armed forces: As, a large number of police personnel and para-military forces are engaged to ensure that elections are conducted peacefully. This involves massive redeployment, involving huge costs. Such deployment can be curtailed with simultaneous elections.
- Seven, It will help in checking defection of MP and MLAs: elections are held only at specific periods, horse trading by elected representatives could come to an end, by and large. Today, even with the anti-defection law in force, loopholes lead to horse-trading.
- Eight, helpful in checking on populist policy of government:
- frequent elections lead to governments taking policy decisions to woo the electorate at every election. Even though this cannot be stopped fully, the frequency with which governments have to announce freebies will come down.
- It will be beneficial for the voters also:
- Thee same electoral rolls can be used for all the elections. This will save a tremendous amount of time and money spent in updating electoral rolls.
- It will also make it easier for the citizen as they would not have to worry about their names missing from electoral rolls once they are enlisted.
- And save their time to caste their votes.
What are the concerns?
- Feasibility with respect to election: Article 83(2) and 172 of the Constitution stipulates that the tenure of Lok Sabha and State Assemblies respectively will last for five years unless dissolved earlier and there can be circumstances
- Therefore, the ONOE plan raises serious questions — what would happen if the Central or State government collapses mid-tenure? Would elections be held again in every State or will the President’s rule be imposed?
- Second, the idea of ONOE does suits with the concept of ‘federalism’ as it is established on the notion that the entire nation is “one” contradicting the content of Article 1 which envisages India as a “Union of States”.
- Third, the present form of recurrent elections can be seen as beneficial in a democracy as it allows voters to have their voices heard more frequently.
- As the underlying issues of national and State polls are different, the present framework prevents the blending of issues, ensuring greater accountability.
- There are concerns that voices of local issues are unheard due national issues if election is conducted simultaneously.
Conclusion:
- Therefore, government should adopt significant change in democracy such as one nation one election after wide areas of discussion in the Parliament while considering its pros and cons.
- Along with Parliamentarian should also inculcate voice of common citizen that will strengthen the vision of participatory democracy and its soul in the form election.
Editorial 2: India is the bridge that connects the world
Recent Context:
- Recently, India is going to conduct G 20 summit with the vision of inclusive, ambitious, decisive and action-oriented while promoting nation’s deep commitment to democracy and multilateralism.
- The G20 is built on tenets such as collective action and inclusive partnership between developed and emerging economies. And India at the helm of the intergovernmental forum is truly a watershed moment for finding pragmatic global solutions for the well-being of all.
G20 as platform for inclusive promotion and development of Indian rich heritage and economy:
- Startup20 Engagement Group will be established under India’s G20 presidency for the first time, recognising the role of startups in driving innovation that responds to a rapidly changing global scenario
- It further strengthening the inclusive growth
- As, During the summit, more than 200 meetings across 60 cities are to be conducted, covering the length and breadth of the country.
- This will enable G20 delegates and guests to get a glimpse of India’s rich cultural heritage and will help these cities with
- infrastructure development,
- women’s empowerment,
- fostering a startup ecosystem,
- promoting trade and investment, and
- fuelling tourism.
- The ongoing discussions and outcomes during this period will become global markers to measure progress in critical priority areas under a clear framework
India’s voice for inclusivity that connects the world
The key focus area at the G20 is the growth of digital infrastructure
- India, with its various initiatives, has unlocked the potential to overcome the imbalance between different cohorts of the population and enable inclusive growth.
- The Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which has witnessed a 58 per cent year-on-year volume growth this year, is an excellent example of India’s digital infrastructural success.
- The emphasis on the nation’s experience in digital public infrastructure in unlocking inclusive growth can be positioned as a global solution for other emerging economies.
Strengthening the vision of global governance
- Financial institutions play a key role in further enhancing India’s digital growth. The impact of digital initiatives has been profound, and these initiatives have enabled citizen engagement, providing convenient digital services across the nation
- digital pathways have enabled a smooth provision of essential services, driven economic growth, and fostered a more inclusive digital economy.
- Suitable models of governance and regulation are needed to ensure that everyone can reap the benefits of a data-driven economy.
- Indian can share its technology and vision with other developing and least developed nation to promote the global governance
Bringing reform in multilateral financial institutions
- Furthermore, multilateral financial institutions should be reformed to ensure that finance is accessible to those in need.
- The G20 nations are looking to enhance the agility of multilateral development banks (MDBs) for tackling 21st-century challenges and ensuring prompt resolution of debt and debt-related matters.
- Another critical step will be to establish a global regulatory framework for crypto assets beyond central bank jurisdiction.
Addressing the issue of climate change and its impact
- Climate change is causing natural disasters on a gigantic scale. This has disrupted human life and the biodiversity of our planet.
- It is now time for India to lead the world on sustainability. Our traditional ways of living in balance with the environment have much to teach the modern world.
- Therefore, The priority must be to focus on building cities for tomorrow, climate-resilient infrastructure, new methods of growing food and new economic systems that balance growth and sustainability.
Promoting sustainable way of living
- India can use its strengths in technology and an intrinsic understanding of digital innovation and circularity to show what a sustainability-first economy really looks like.
- Artificial intelligence and different tenets of sustainability can both be harnessed for a greener and yet more prosperous India.
- Global Value Chains (GVCs) are one of the key drivers of sustainable growth, jobs and living standards and Low-carbon manufacturing is now becoming a competitive advantage. As India has always excelled in frugal innovation, and our vast pool of skilled resources has the potential to address such new areas of economy.
- As, Top Indian companies have already started looking deeply at net zero targets in the context of India’s ambition to be net zero by 2070. At the same time, India’s vast MSME sector, in which the country’s vast population works, needs support. We must be cognisant of the fact that creating a low-carbon economy needs people and skills; mandating climate legislation can impact livelihoods at scale.
Conclusion:
- Therefore, India’s G20 Presidency aims to strive for just and equitable growth for all in the world, navigating through turbulent times, in a sustainable, holistic, responsible, and inclusive manner.
- The challenge ahead is to adopt a unique approach of living in harmony with the surrounding ecosystem and foster the true spirit of “vasudhaiva kutumbakam” (One earth, one family, one future).