7. a) Electoral Reforms
Introduction
Electoral reforms in India are necessary to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections. India, being the world’s largest democracy, has faced several challenges, such as money power, criminalization of politics, voter fraud, and electoral malpractices. Over the years, various electoral reforms have been introduced to strengthen the democratic process and improve governance.
Key Electoral Reforms in India
1. Lowering of Voting Age (61st Amendment Act, 1988)
- Reduced the voting age from 21 to 18 years, increasing youth participation in democracy.
2. Introduction of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) (1998)
- EVMs replaced paper ballots, reducing vote tampering, booth capturing, and counting errors.
3. Anti-Defection Law (52nd Amendment, 1985)
- Prevents political defections by disqualifying legislators who switch parties after elections.
4. Introduction of NOTA (None of the Above) (2013)
- Allows voters to reject all candidates if they feel none are suitable, ensuring greater voter choice.
5. Disclosure of Criminal Records and Assets (2003, 2013)
- Supreme Court rulings made it mandatory for candidates to declare their assets, criminal records, and liabilities.
6. Voter ID and Aadhar Linkage
- The EPIC (Electors Photo Identity Card) was introduced to prevent bogus voting.
- Recent reforms aim to link Aadhar with voter ID to eliminate duplicate voters.
7. Electoral Bond Scheme (2018)
- Introduced as an alternative to cash donations, allowing businesses and individuals to fund political parties anonymously.
8. Ceiling on Election Expenditure
- Candidates have limits on election spending, reducing money power in politics.
Challenges in Electoral Reforms
- Criminalization of politics: Many candidates with criminal backgrounds still contest elections.
- Money power: Electoral bonds have been criticized for lack of transparency.
- Use of muscle power: Intimidation of voters in some regions continues.
Electoral reforms are crucial to making Indian democracy more accountable, transparent, and inclusive.
7. b) The Tension Areas in Union-State Relations
Introduction
India follows a quasi-federal system where power is shared between the Union and the States. However, several areas of conflict exist between the central and state governments, leading to tensions in governance. These tensions arise due to issues related to financial distribution, legislative powers, political interference, and constitutional provisions.
Major Tension Areas in Union-State Relations
1. Article 356 – President’s Rule
- The central government can dismiss a state government under Article 356, which is often misused for political reasons.
- Example: Dismissal of state governments in the past (West Bengal in 1967, Karnataka in 1989, etc.).
2. Financial Disparities (Tax Distribution and GST Issues)
- The Union collects more revenue than the states, leading to financial dependency.
- States demand a greater share of GST revenue, but delays in payments cause frustration among states.
3. Governor’s Role in State Politics
- The Governor, appointed by the President, sometimes acts as an agent of the Centre, creating conflicts with state governments.
- Example: Recent disputes in West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu over the Governor’s interference.
4. Centralized Laws vs. State Autonomy
- Laws like CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) and Farm Laws were opposed by several states, leading to protests and demands for more state autonomy.
5. Law and Order Issues
- Public order and police are state subjects, but the Centre can deploy paramilitary forces in states without their approval, leading to conflicts.
6. Demand for More Autonomy
- States like Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Punjab have demanded greater financial and legislative powers to manage their own affairs.
7. River Water Disputes
- States often clash over water-sharing agreements, such as the Cauvery dispute (Tamil Nadu-Karnataka) and Krishna river dispute (Andhra Pradesh-Telangana).
Steps to Resolve Union-State Tensions
- Strengthening cooperative federalism through NITI Aayog and the GST Council.
- Greater consultation between the Centre and states before passing nationwide laws.
- Empowering Inter-State Councils for conflict resolution.
India’s federal system requires better coordination and cooperation between the Centre and states to ensure smooth governance.
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