MAINS DAILY QUESTIONS & MODEL ANSWERS
Q1. Discuss the importance of the Indian Election Commission in guaranteeing free and fair elections and examine the difficulties it faces today.
GS II – Election-related issues
Introduction:
- All elections in India, from the President to the Lok Sabha (lower house of Parliament), are overseen by the Election Commission of India (ECI), an autonomous constitutional authority. The Election Commission of India (ECl) is empowered to oversee, manage, and control the entire electoral process, as per Article 324 of the Indian Constitution.
The ECl’s importance in guaranteeing free and fair elections:
- Fair Conduct of Elections: The impartial conduct of elections is guaranteed by the ECI, an independent constitutional authority free from political interference. The public’s trust in the electoral process depends on this independence.
- Voter Registration and Identity: The Election Commission is in charge of making sure voter identification cards are issued and voter lists are kept up to date. This guarantees that only eligible voters take part in the election process, hence aiding in the prevention of electoral malpractices such as fraudulent voting.
- Model Code of Conduct Implementation: During elections, the ECI creates and implements a model code of conduct for political parties and candidates. This code of conduct guarantees fair elections, moral campaigning, and forbids the use of force or money to sway voters.
- Supervising Political Spending: In order to reduce the influence of money in politics and encourage fair competition among political parties, the ECI keeps an eye on and controls political spending during elections.
Among the noteworthy difficulties are:
- Money Power and Election Expenditure: In spite of laws, it is still difficult to prevent money from having an impact on elections. The voting process can be made less fair by using black money, unreported spending, and illicit funding.
- Erosion of the Model Code of Conduct: There has been an increase in the number of incidents involving candidates and political parties breaking the model code of conduct. The Election Commission has to make sure that everyone is treated fairly, enforce moral standards, and deal with infractions as soon as they occur.
- Election Technology and Cybersecurity: New cybersecurity concerns are brought about by the growing usage of technology in the political process. Preserving the integrity of election results requires protecting voter records and electronic voting machines (EVMs) against manipulation or hacking.
- Independence and Political Influence: It is crucial for the Election Commission to be able to withstand improper political influence while yet remaining independent. Allegations pertaining to the Commission’s neutrality have the potential to erode public confidence in the electoral process.
Strategies to address the obstacles the ECI faces:
- Strengthening the Model Code of Conduct: Make sure that political parties and candidates who violate it face fast consequences by applying strict enforcement of the code. Examine potential legal changes that would give the ECI more authority to impose harsher penalties for violating the code of conduct.
- Giving ECI contempt powers: In order to provide it the authority to penalise anyone who bring irrational and unsubstantiated charges against it, the ECI has proposed changes to the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.
- Cooperation with Law Enforcement: To guarantee the safety of voters, candidates, and election officials, enhance cooperation with law enforcement organisations. Provide thorough security plans and put them into action for areas where election violence is likely to occur.
- Reforms to Election Funding: Promote changes to political funding in order to lessen the impact of money on elections. Promote openness in political spending and donations, maybe by enforcing more stringent financial disclosure laws.
- Sustaining Independence and Accountability: Reinforce systems to guarantee the ECI’s autonomy from governmental meddling. In fact, the Law Commission suggested the creation of a selection committee in its 255th report on electoral reforms (2015) in order to give the ECI more autonomy.
- The Indian Election Commission ought to tackle obstacles by devising a plan that encompasses technological advancements, legal modifications, public education, and international cooperation. Improving responsiveness, inclusivity, and electoral integrity are essential for maintaining democratic principles and making the political process credible.
Q2. Examine how globalisation affects inclusive growth. How can countries take use of globalization’s advantages while reducing its drawbacks?
GS I – Globalization related issues
Introduction:
- Both positive and negative effects on inclusive growth can be attributed to globalisation, which is generally understood to be the growing connectivity and interdependence of nations via the trade of commodities, services, information, and ideas. Economic growth that helps all facets of society is referred to as inclusive growth.
Benefits:
- Expanded Economic Prospects: A lot of nations have been able to expand their exports and reach new markets thanks to globalisation. For instance, China is now the largest exporter in the world, with exports rising from $62 billion in 1980 to $2.5 trillion in 2019.
- Technology Transfer: The spread of inventions and technology around the world has been made easier by globalisation. For instance, cell phones have become widely accessible and reasonably priced in many regions of Latin America, Africa, and Asia, allowing people to use financial, communication, and information services.
- Human Capital Development: Cross-border mobility is promoted by globalisation, which also facilitates the interchange of knowledge and skills.
- Reduced Poverty: Individuals and communities involved in export-oriented enterprises may see a gain in income as a result of having access to international markets.
Adverse Effects:
- Income disparity: Because people with the means and abilities to engage in the global economy frequently gain more than others who are left behind, globalisation has the potential to worsen income disparity. For instance, in 2018 the richest 1% of people on the planet possessed 44% of all wealth, while the poorest 50% possessed just 9%.
- Developing nations that rely largely on international markets may be more susceptible to financial crises and economic downturns.
- Social Dislocation: As new industries emerge and traditional industries disappear, rapid globalisation may cause social dislocation. Employees in dwindling industries may experience job insecurity or unemployment.
- deterioration of the Environment: In a globalised world, the quest of economic expansion may lead to resource depletion and environmental deterioration. For instance, the international trade in agricultural goods has fueled greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, and deforestation in the Amazon rainforest.
Taking use of globalization’s advantages while reducing its drawbacks:
- Encourage Inclusive Growth: Put laws into place that guarantee society as a whole reaps the rewards of globalisation more fairly. Invest in education and training initiatives to improve workforce competencies and prepare them for the evolving global economy.
- Encourage sustainable growth by incorporating environmental factors into investment and trade regulations. Promote the use of eco-friendly methods, prudent resource management, and clean technology in all industries.
- Social Safety Nets: To shield vulnerable groups from the detrimental effects of globalisation, such as unemployment or income inequality, strong social safety nets should be established. Fair Trade Policies: Promote open, honest, and equitable trade laws that support global trade while safeguarding home businesses.
- Technology Transfer and Innovation: Promote cross-border technology and knowledge transfer to give developing countries access to the resources they need for economic development.
- Preserve cultural heritage: By putting in place laws that uphold regional customs and cultures, we can make sure that the advantages of globalisation do not come at the expense of cultural atomization.
- Due to its complexity, globalisation necessitates a sophisticated approach that maximises positive effects while reducing negative ones. Through the promotion of equitable trade, inclusive growth, and environmental concerns, countries can chart a course towards a more sustainable and just globalised future.
