20 February 2024

MAINS DAILY QUESTIONS & MODEL ANSWERS

Q1. The governor’s office is frequently the centre of political controversy. Give Make recommendations for how the Indian federal system can maintain its efficacy and neutrality.

GS II – Polity-related issues

Introduction

• A governor is an Indian state’s constitutional head of state, chosen by the nation’s president. A governor follows the state council of ministers’ recommendations, with a few exceptions where discretion may be used. Since the colonial era, the governor’s position has been contentious since it is frequently perceived as a means by which the federal government meddles in the internal affairs of the state governments.

Several debates surround the Governor’s function include the following:

• Tamil Nadu: The state legislature passed the NEET exemption bill in September 2022, seeking to exempt Tamil Nadu students from the national medical entrance exam. However, the governor of Tamil Nadu disagreed with the state government and refused to sign the bill.
• He was charged by the state government with acting as a representative of the federal government and breaking constitutional laws.
• Kerala: Likewise, the state government chastised the governor of Kerala for holding up the ratification of several state legislature-passed bills, including the Kerala Professional Colleges (Regularisation of Admission in Medical Colleges) Bill, 2023.
• The state government claimed that he was infringing on the state’s legislative and executive powers and filed a challenge against him in the Supreme Court.
• West Bengal: The state government and the governor of West Bengal clashed as well. He frequently clashed with the state government on a number of issues, including corruption, law and order, education, and health.
• In addition, he charged that the state government had disregarded his requests for consultations and information and had broken constitutional laws. Conversely, the state government charged him with being a mouthpiece of the federal government, biassed, and interfering.

Several potential countermeasures to preserve the impartiality and efficacy of the governorship include:

• Restructuring the governor’s appointment and removal procedure: The appointment and removal of the governor should follow a transparent, merit-based, and consultative process in order to guarantee the governor’s neutrality and impartiality.
• The prime minister, the home minister, the speaker of the Lok Sabha, and the chief minister of the state in question should form a committee to be responsible for appointing governors, as per the recommendations of the Venkatachaliah Commission (2002).
• Reform the Current Appointment and Removal Process: The governor’s appointment and removal procedures may be changed by amending the Constitution.
• This may entail using a more open and consultative process, like a parliamentary committee or collegium, to choose the candidates based on qualifications and merit.
• It is also possible to complicate the removal of the governors by mandating a judicial investigation or a resolution from the state legislature. In BP Singhal v. Union of India, the Supreme Court ruled that the removal could not be justified by arbitrary, capricious, or unreasonable grounds.
• Judicial Intervention: To make sure the governors follow the law and the Constitution, the Supreme Court may continue to keep an eye on their behaviour and may issue directives or observations. This can support the federal principle of Indian polity and help to prevent partisan or arbitrary actions by the governors.
• Make him/her an Elected Representative: Rather than serving as a nominee of the federal government, the governor may be made an elected representative of the state.
• This can lessen the opportunity for intervention or influence by the Centre while strengthening the office’s legitimacy and accountability.
• Like with the president, the state legislature or the people themselves may choose who becomes the governor.

Way Forward:

• The function of governors in Indian states has been characterised by disputes arising from the belief that the central government is meddling. Mitigating measures are necessary to guarantee the impartiality and efficacy of this constitutional position and promote goodwill among states and the federal government. Examples of these measures include clear appointment procedures and increased state autonomy.

Q2. Adopted during India’s presidency at the G-20, the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration is proof of inclusivity and equality. Discuss.

GS II – International Issues

Introduction:

• Adopted at the G-20 summit, the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration embodies the vision and resolve of the G-20 members to tackle the world’s problems in the twenty-first century, with the motto “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” or “One Earth, One Family, One Future.” The declaration stresses the necessity of collaboration, coordination, and multilateralism among the G-20 and other stakeholders and addresses a number of issues related to institutional, social, economic, and environmental development.

The following are a few declaration elements that illustrate inclusion and equality:

• Gender equality: The proclamation emphasises the value of giving women and girls the tools they need to succeed and making sure they have equal access to opportunities in all areas of life. The G-20 Action Plan on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, which attempts to reduce gender differences in leadership, digital access, education, health, and labour force participation, is also supported by the declaration.
• Social equality: Based on the idea of “leaving no one behind,” the declaration restates the G-20’s commitment to achieving the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• The G-20 Roadmap for Stronger Recovery and Resilience in Developing Countries, Least Developed Countries, and Small Island Developing States, which aims to address the unique vulnerabilities and challenges of these nations, is also supported by the declaration.
• Economic equality: The declaration calls for a more inclusive and resilient recovery that benefits all people and nations while acknowledging the uneven and unequal effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the climate change crisis on the global economy.
• The G-20 Common Framework for Debt Treatments Beyond the Debt Service Suspension Initiative is likewise supported by the declaration.
• Inclusion of stakeholders: The declaration recognises the important roles played by a range of stakeholders in the G-20 process and results, including academia, business, labour, youth, women, and civil society.
• The statement also expresses gratitude for the G-20’s interactions and communication with non-G-20 nations and areas, particularly Africa, as well as with global and regional institutions like the World Trade Organisation, the United Nations, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
• Cultural inclusion: The G-20 Principles for Cultural Cooperation and Development, which seek to protect and promote cultural diversity and rights as well as encourage cultural exchange, dialogue, and cooperation, are endorsed by the declaration.
• Technological inclusion: The proclamation pledges to harness the advantages of technology for all sectors and individuals, while acknowledging the potential and difficulties of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the digital transformation.
• The G-20 Digital Public Infrastructure Initiative, which aims to improve digital literacy, skills, and inclusion while offering universal and affordable access to digital services and platforms, is also supported by the declaration.
• The G-20 summit’s New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration highlights the world community’s commitment to tackling today’s issues with harmony and cooperation as its guiding principles. The declaration’s emphasis on inclusion and equality across a range of domains lays the groundwork for a more just and resilient international community. Promoting inclusivity in terms of culture and technology as well as stakeholder engagement opens the door for cooperative efforts towards shared prosperity and sustainable development.