13 April 2023

DAILY QUESTIONS & MODEL ANSWERS

Q1. In connection to elections, what does the word “model code of conduct” (MCC) mean? Do you think that the MCC should be included in the statute to ensure that it is applied consistently and effectively? Critical analysis (250 words)

Paper & Topic: GS II – Election-related issues

Model Answer:

Introduction:

• The Model Code of Conduct of the Election Commission of India is a set of guidelines for how political parties and candidates should conduct themselves during elections, with special emphasis on speeches, election day, polling locations, election manifestos, processions, and general conduct. It makes an effort to ensure fair and free elections.

Body:

The power of ECI in respect to MCC:

• The EC is granted complete supervision, direction, and jurisdiction over all elections for the positions of President and Vice President, State legislatures, and Parliament under Article 324.
• Courts and EC decisions have occasionally interpreted the Article in a way that implies the authority conferred to it has plenary jurisdiction.
• That is to say, the EC is allowed to take whatever steps are necessary to ensure free and fair elections and the electoral process.
• Political parties and candidates are monitored by the EC for compliance with the “Model Code of Conduct.”
• If the violations also amount to crimes under both the nation’s criminal code and election law, the EC has the right to recommend that charges be brought against the violators.
• However, in addition to ordering the registration of cases for some violations, such as canvassing for votes when electioneering is prohibited, making official announcements while the MCC is in effect, and appealing to voters on the basis of sect, the EC also has the authority to advise or censure candidates.
• Recent occurrences show that the EC occasionally has the authority to impose a temporary ban on candidates or leaders standing for office.
• The EC also has the authority to order persons to leave a constituency or impose entry restrictions in certain places.
• Although they are not usually attributed to any single legal provision, these capabilities are frequently viewed as inherent due to the vast and plenary extent of the EC’s constitutional mandate to ensure free and fair elections.
• It has the power to postpone elections for any seat as well as rescind or void previously held elections.

Reasons why MCC needs statutory protection:

• The EC is not able to remove candidates who commit election fraud. The registration of a case might be ordered, at best.
• Furthermore, the EC has no authority to deregister any political parties. The EC, however, has the power to decide whether a candidate has been disqualified for holding a lucrative post within the relevant government, has been declared bankrupt, or has acquired citizenship of a foreign country within the terms of the Constitution.
• A query on whether a candidate has been subject to one of these disqualifications must be directed to the EC by either the Indian President or the Governor. The polling panel’s verdict is final and conclusive.

How to Proceed:

• Under Chief Election Commissioners like T.N. Seshan and J.M. Lyngdoh, the commission has shown in the past that it is capable of developing novel solutions that adhere to both the spirit and the letter of the law.
• The MCC should be supported by legislation. The Representation of the People Act, 1951 should be amended to include the MCC in order to give it more authority.
• To settle MCC violation accusations more rapidly, specialist fast track courts have been established.
• The law commission’s recommendations ought to be implemented to save money on elections.
• The general public needs to know more about MCC. It should be encouraged to use apps like cVIGIL in order to reduce infractions during elections.
• Stakeholders, including Internet companies, should adopt a code for Social Media and the Internet.

Conclusion:

• Political parties from both sides of the aisle have mostly complied with the letter and spirit of MCC, which is without a doubt legitimate. The MCC has been successful from its establishment in part because to the EC’s perfect independence and unshakable dedication to enforcing the code, as well as the parties’ shared conviction that the benefits of following the code exceed the disadvantages if other parties—especially the ruling party—violate it.

Q2. Development of the livestock and dairy industries can aid in the socioeconomic advancement of rural populations, particularly the unemployed and the poor. Discuss in light of recent attempts for the development of India’s dairy industry. (250 words)

 Paper & Topic: GS III – Livestock Sector

Model Answer:

Introduction:

• The tremendous increase in milk supply brought about by concerted, collaborative efforts is referred to as the “White Revolution.” 48 years after Operation Flood, which elevated India to the position of top milk producer in the world, the country is still looking for the next big innovation in agricultural output and production. Dairy companies’ sales of milk and products related to milk have changed as a result of White Revolution 2.0, reviving the potential for product-market mix.

Body:

Milk production in India:

• India surpassed all other countries in both milk production and consumption in 2019.
• The nation’s milk production will increase from its current level of 176 metric tonnes (mt) to 330 million metric tonnes (mt) in 2033–2034, according to Niti Aayog.
• Since 1998, India has surpassed the United States to produce 17% of all dairy products worldwide. Operation Flood, which started in the 1970s, made all of this possible.
• According to industry research company IMARC, the milk and dairy products business exceeded Rs7.9 lakh crore in 2017.
• In 2016, the milk sector alone was worth Rs. 3 lakh crore, and by 2021, it is anticipated to be worth Rs. 7.3 lakh crore.
• Milk consumption per person in India increased from 126 grams in 1960 to 359 grams in 2015.

Government initiatives for the dairy sector:

• Mission of the National Bovine Breeding Program
• The Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (DEDS)
• Quality Mark from the National Bovine Genetic Center
• National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD)
• E-Pashuhaat site
• Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF).

Difficulties encountered:

• Indian cattle and buffalo are some of the least productive.
• Similar to this, there aren’t many organized dairy farms, and substantial funding is needed to improve the dairy industry’s standing abroad.
• One of the main concerns is raising farm animal output.
• In an effort to increase the genetic potential of various species, only a small percentage of attempts to crossbreed native species with foreign populations have been successful.
• Additionally, the industry will be under a lot of pressure to respond to the demands of the expanding markets. Even if additional chances for consumers to engage in international trade will be made available by globalization, strong standards for food safety and quality will still be required.
• Access to markets is crucial for accelerating commercialization. Lack of market access may deter farmers from using more cutting-edge equipment and high-quality inputs.

What must be done:

• The amount of market share that dairy companies can achieve will depend on how well they employ their resources and expertise in light of the opportunities and risks presented by emerging market economies.
• Contract/corporate dairying and developing global dairy commerce need to enlist dairy supply chains actors to expand their reach and “on-the-go” product positioning into the target market.
• Utilizing relationship/value-based marketing, dairy companies using digital technology must identify their complementary partners and competitors in order to co-create through process and product innovation.
• Large dairy corporations and start-ups may collaborate to offer technical advancements that enhance the freshness of milk and make it easier to store milk or milk products.
• Education and training at the panchayat level for small- and medium-sized farms
• supporting the logistics of cattle production facilities and developing livestock markets
• Enhanced veterinary facilities encouraging businesses to purchase dairy products in rural areas with a focus on cow artificial insemination
• Small and medium-sized farmers who want to buy cattle can apply for low-interest loans.
• encouraging rural women to engage in animal husbandry to prevent cattle from diseases like Anthrax, Foot and Mouth, Peste des Ruminants, etc.
• By offering good village-level youth training, devoted leadership, and competent management of farmer institutions, you may support the growth of dairy entrepreneurs.
• Agriculture practices, cleanliness, the quality of feed and drinking water, as well as the kind and quality of pipes, must all be taken into account in order to produce nutritious milk.

Conclusion:

• The actions of the government can ensure the dairy sector’s enduring growth and raise the incmes of millions of small and marginal dairy farmers. If the food processing sector, agriculture, research, and patents are all connected together with animal husbandry, India has the potential to become the world’s nutritional powerhouse. The crucial answer, unwavering objective, and important hope for both India and the rest of the world is animal husbandry.