Editorial 1 : Fortifying the Basic Structure
Context: Simultaneous elections can strengthen democracy
Introduction: The argument over One Nation One Election (ONOE) has taken centre stage. Some believe that simultaneous elections would benefit the citizenry at large, others argue that it would serve as an assault on the basic structure of the Indian Constitution.
Simultaneous Elections in the Past
- India’s democratic journey began with simultaneous elections.
- The first general election saw us voting simultaneously for both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
- This practice continued in 1957 with the second general elections wherein several assemblies (Bihar, Bombay, Madras, Mysore, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal) were dissolved to align with national polls, ensuring synchronicity.
The Disruptions in Simultaneous Electoral Cycle
- First blow came in July 1959, when PM Nehru dismissed the Kerala government led by E M S Namboodiripad.
- Second blow was struck by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi as she prematurely dissolved the 4th Lok Sabha and called for general elections 15 months ahead of schedule.
- Situation further deteriorated as central governments led by Congress unceremoniously utilised Article 356 of the Constitution to topple state assemblies it did not find favour with.
Election Commission’s views on Simultaneous Elections
- In 1962, the Election Commission of India in its Report on the General Elections emphasised that it is desirable that the duplication of effort and expense should, if possible, be avoided.
- This sentiment was echoed by the Commission in its 1983 Annual Report where it stressed the need to conduct simultaneous elections for parliamentary and assembly constituencies.
- Law Commission in its 170th Report advocated simultaneous elections and also pinned the blame on the misuse of Article 356.
Benefits of Simultaneous Elections
- Voters will only need to visit polling stations once to elect both their national and state representatives.
- The logistical burden on authorities would be greatly reduced.
- It will provide a level playing field to opposition and regional parties by ensuring that their campaign expenses remain limited.
- It would alleviate the policy paralysis that occurs due to frequent impositions of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
High Level Committee Report
- High-Level Committee, which comprised a former President of India, former Leader of Opposition, distinguished bureaucrats and constitutional experts, has provided a concrete roadmap for implementation of ONOE.
- The success of the report lies in the manner in which it was prepared and also in the fact that it provides an answer to the various exigencies that could arise.
- For instance, it outlines the course of action to be adopted in case of a hung assembly.
ONOE Fortifies the Basic Structure
- Detractors of ONOE argue that the course adopted by the Cabinet is contrary to a number of judgments of the Supreme Court wherein it was held that free and fair elections are the hallmark of the basic structure of the Constitution.
- On the contrary, with ONOE strengthening the democracy, the basic structure of the Constitution is far from threatened, it is fortified.
Way Forward: ONOE proposal will be brought before Parliament. Two options lie ahead of the law makers. Either they resign themselves to the disadvantages of separate elections or they can take a step forward by shedding their partisan views and acting in national interest.
Editorial 2 : The Job Lags and Gaps
Context: Jobs of the future require upskilling workers
Employment Data
- Data on employment growth in India reveals contrasting trends.
- RBI’s Capital, Labour, Energy Materials, Services (KLEMS) data reports a 6% increase in job growth for FY24, a significant rise from the 3.2% growth in FY23.
- Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) offers a less optimistic view: The unemployment rate climbed to 9.2% in June 2024 from 7% in May, with the annual rate for FY24 at 8%.
- As per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), the unemployment rate in urban areas decreased from 6.8% to 6.7% between January to March 2023 and January to March 2024 for persons 15 years and above.
- Labour force participation rate in urban areas has increased from 48.5% to 50.2% from January to March 2023 and January to March 2024 for persons aged 15 years and above.
- Given the disparate trends in employment growth from different agencies, it is important that the National Statistical Commission address data discrepancies by improving data quality, improving coordination between agencies and increasing transparency in reporting.
Need for Job Creation
- According to Citigroup Research, India needs to create about 1.2 crore jobs every year over the next decade to absorb the number of new entrants to the labour market.
- However, with a 7% growth rate, the country can generate around 80–90 lakh jobs annually, a deficit of around 30–40 lakh jobs.
Reasons for Slow Pace of Employment Generation
- Imperfections in labour markets create rigidities resulting in persistent shortages and excesses.
- Skill Gap – 2 types
- When job seekers, despite acquiring qualifications, fall short of skills due to poor training.
- When there is a complete lack of skill training.
- In India, both gaps co-exist.
- Aspirational Gap
- Non-availability of jobs that meet the aspirations of job seekers.
- The growing demand for jobs in the IT sector and the increasing presence of migrant manual labour in the southern states are examples of aspirational gaps.
- Aspirational gap compounds the skill gap.
- We need to find solutions to bridge all these gaps for the smooth functioning of labour markets and absorb new additions to the workforce.
- Incongruence between growth in output and labour absorption due to technological changes resulting in the decline of employment elasticity.
- The substitution of labour by machines has a long history with innovations often resulting in simultaneous increases in output and employment.
- The emergence of AI, or mechanical minds, raises another question: Will the demand for human brain labour fall?
- Mechanical muscles pushed horses out of the economy, while mechanical minds can do the same to humans unless we equip the workforce to cope with the change.
What needs to be done?
- Meeting future job requirements calls for substantial educational and skilling reforms.
- A balance between economic growth and employment growth can be achieved by pursuing a two-pronged strategy.
- Concerted attempts need to be made to push industrialisation in sectors that absorb more labour.
- These sectors normally have strong inter-sectoral linkages and the ability to cater to the domestic market.
- Food processing and products, textiles and apparel have high labour absorption, and linkages with agriculture and other sectors within manufacturing.
- International competitiveness needs to be improved in technology-intensive sectors.
- They have higher technology adoption rates, increased research and development and the ability to cater to global markets.
- These include chemicals and chemical products, pharmaceuticals, medicinal, chemical and botanical products, motor vehicles, computers, electronic and optical products and manufacture of electrical equipment.
- Pursuing this strategy requires a sectoral approach and differentiated incentive system for employment generation and capital investments.
Way Forward
- We need a good combination of relatively labour-intensive sectors and those that are contingent on high technology.
- A comprehensive policy framework focussing on sectors needs to be evolved to tackle the question of employment generation.
- The framework should enhance growth rates, as it is important for generating jobs.