[Synopsis] Day 21 – July 23, 2024 – 75 Days Mains Revision Plan 2024 – Governance
Kartavya Desk Staff
75 Days Mains Revision Plan 2024 – Governance
Governance
Topic: Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.
Topic: Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.
Q1. Enumerate the grounds for disqualification under the Representation of the People Act 1951. Also, state the significance of these provisions and need for amendments. (15M)
Key Demand of the question: To outline the specific grounds for disqualification under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and discuss the significance and necessity for amendments in these provisions. Directive: Enumerate – Provide a list of the grounds for disqualification. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Briefly introduce the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and its purpose in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. Body: First part: Grounds for Disqualification Conviction for Certain Offences Unsound Mind Undischarged Insolvent Office of Profit Corrupt Practices Ceased to be Indian Citizen Second part: Importance of These Provisions Maintaining Integrity Preventing Conflict of Interest Safeguarding Democratic Values Third part: Need for Amendments Addressing Loopholes Updating the Act Stricter Enforcement Inclusion of Additional Grounds Conclusion: Emphasise the need for timely amendments to address emerging challenges.
Key Demand of the question:
To outline the specific grounds for disqualification under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and discuss the significance and necessity for amendments in these provisions.
Directive:
Enumerate – Provide a list of the grounds for disqualification.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly introduce the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and its purpose in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
First part: Grounds for Disqualification
Conviction for Certain Offences
Unsound Mind
Undischarged Insolvent
Office of Profit
Corrupt Practices
Ceased to be Indian Citizen
Second part: Importance of These Provisions
Maintaining Integrity
Preventing Conflict of Interest
Safeguarding Democratic Values
Third part: Need for Amendments
Addressing Loopholes
Updating the Act
Stricter Enforcement
Inclusion of Additional Grounds
Conclusion:
Emphasise the need for timely amendments to address emerging challenges.
Introduction:
The Representation of the People Act, 1951, is an important piece of legislation in India that lays down the qualifications and disqualifications for members of Parliament and state legislatures. It aims to uphold the integrity and sanctity of the electoral process by setting clear guidelines for eligibility and disqualification.
Grounds for Disqualification:
• Conviction for Certain Offences: A person convicted of certain offences, including those related to corruption, terrorism, and heinous crimes, is disqualified for 2 or more years.
• Example: Following his conviction in the Babri Masjid demolition case, former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Kalyan Singh was disqualified from holding public office for three years.
• Unsound Mind: If a person is declared to be of unsound mind by a competent court, they are disqualified from contesting elections.
• Undischarged Insolvent: Individuals declared as undischarged insolvents, meaning they have not paid off their debts, are disqualified from holding elected office.
• Example: In the 2021 Assam Assembly Elections, the Election Commission disqualified a candidate who had been declared bankrupt by a court.
• Office of Profit: A person is disqualified if they hold any office of profit under the central or state government, excluding certain offices exempted by law. This is to prevent conflict of interest.
• Electoral Misconduct: Under Section 8 of the Act, a person convicted for offences like promoting enmity between groups, or certain types of electoral misconduct is disqualified for a period of six years from the date of conviction.
• Ceased to be an Indian Citizen: A person who has voluntarily acquired the citizenship of a foreign state, or who has renounced or been deprived of their Indian citizenship, is disqualified from contesting elections.
Importance of These Provisions:
• Maintaining Integrity and fairness of elections: These provisions help maintain the integrity of the electoral process by ensuring that individuals with criminal backgrounds or conflicts of interest are barred from holding public office.
• Preventing Conflict of Interest: By disqualifying those holding offices of profit, the Act ensures that legislators do not face conflicts of interest that might influence their legislative duties.
• Safeguarding Democratic Values: Ensuring that only eligible and law-abiding citizens can contest elections helps protect the democratic fabric of the nation.
• Promoting transparency and accountability: By requiring candidates to provide all required information and not withhold pertinent details.
• Rule of law: To uphold the rule of law by denying election eligibility to candidates who have violated the law.
Need for Amendments:
• Addressing Loopholes: Some provisions may be vague or outdated, necessitating clearer definitions and guidelines to avoid misuse.
• Example: The criteria for what constitutes an ‘office of profit’ is ambiguous and requires clearer delineation.
• Updating the Act: The Act needs periodic updates to reflect contemporary realities, such as the inclusion of new types of offences or changing societal norms.
• Example: Including provisions for disqualification based on severe financial mismanagement or chronic tax evasion.
• Stricter Enforcement: Strengthening the enforcement mechanisms to ensure that disqualified individuals are effectively barred from contesting elections.
• Disqualifying candidates with pending criminal cases: Regardless of conviction or filing of the chargesheet to reduce criminalisation of politics.
• Disqualify candidates for spreading misinformation or fake news: In 2020, the ECI proposed disqualifying candidates for spreading fake news, citing the need to encourage responsible and ethical behaviour.
Conclusion:
The Representation of the People Act, 1951, plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of India’s electoral system. However, to address emerging challenges and ensure its continued relevance, periodic amendments are necessary.
Topic: Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
Topic: Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
Q2. The 17th Lok Sabha functioned without a Deputy Speaker. In this context, what are the roles and responsibilities of the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha? (10M)
Key Demand of the question: To explain the roles and responsibilities of the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Directive: Explain – Provide a detailed account of the roles and responsibilities. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Briefly introduce the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha, including the constitutional mandate for the position under Article 93. Body: First part: Role Presiding Over Sessions in the absence of Speaker. Provide Constitutional provisions. Representative Role: Represents the Lok Sabha in national and international forums in the absence of the Speaker. Second part: Responsibilities Ensures smooth functioning and decorum in the house. Decision-Making Authority Administrative Duties Casting Vote Committees Involvement Representative Role Conclusion: Emphasise the importance of appointing a Deputy Speaker for the efficient functioning of the Lok Sabha.
Key Demand of the question:
To explain the roles and responsibilities of the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
Directive:
Explain – Provide a detailed account of the roles and responsibilities.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly introduce the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha, including the constitutional mandate for the position under Article 93.
Body:
First part: Role
Presiding Over Sessions in the absence of Speaker. Provide Constitutional provisions.
Representative Role: Represents the Lok Sabha in national and international forums in the absence of the Speaker.
Second part: Responsibilities
Ensures smooth functioning and decorum in the house.
Decision-Making Authority
Administrative Duties
Casting Vote
Committees Involvement
Representative Role
Conclusion:
Emphasise the importance of appointing a Deputy Speaker for the efficient functioning of the Lok Sabha.
Introduction:
The Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha is an important constitutional position mandated under Article 93 of the Indian Constitution. The Deputy Speaker is elected by the members of the Lok Sabha from among themselves and serves as a critical functionary in the parliamentary system.
It is a convention that Deputy speaker usually comes from the Opposition. In the absence of single largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha, 17th Lok Sabha functioned without a Deputy Speaker. But the recent election results have raised the demands for the election of the Deputy Speaker in 18th Lok Sabha.
• Presiding Over Sessions: The Deputy Speaker presides over the sessions of the Lok Sabha when the Speaker is absent. This ensures the continuity of legislative proceedings.
• Article 95(1) of the Constitution provides for the Deputy Speaker to perform the duties of the Speaker in their absence.
• Representative Role: The Deputy Speaker represents the Lok Sabha in national and international forums when the Speaker is unavailable.
Responsibilities:
• Ensures Smooth Functioning and Decorum in the House: The Deputy Speaker is responsible for maintaining order and decorum in the house. for the effective conduct of parliamentary business.
• Decision-Making Authority: The Deputy Speaker has the authority to make rulings and give directions on procedural matters, ensuring that the legislative process is adhered to.
• Administrative Duties: The Deputy Speaker oversees various parliamentary committees and ensures their proper functioning.
• He has one special privilege, that is, whenever he is appointed as a member of a parliamentary committee, he automatically becomes its chairman.
• Casting Vote: In case of a tie during voting in the Lok Sabha, the Deputy Speaker has the casting vote just like the Speaker.
Conclusion:
Appointing a Deputy Speaker is crucial for maintaining the legislative body’s effectiveness and credibility. Conventionally, it has also ensured the balance of power between ruling and opposition party in the parliamentary system.
ETHICS
Q3. Analyze how social influence can be harnessed to promote positive social change in India. Provide examples of successful initiatives where social influence has played a crucial role. [10M, 150words]
Key Demand of question: Analyse how social influence promotes social change. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Start with the definition of social influence. Body: First explain how social influence leads to positive social change. Next, mention a few limitations that social influence has. Then give a few government initiatives that have been successful in social influence. Conclusion: Conclude by highlighting its significance in public administration.
Key Demand of question:
Analyse how social influence promotes social change.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction: Start with the definition of social influence.
Body:
• First explain how social influence leads to positive social change.
• Next, mention a few limitations that social influence has.
• Then give a few government initiatives that have been successful in social influence.
Conclusion: Conclude by highlighting its significance in public administration.
Introduction:
Social influence comprises the ways in which individuals adjust their behavior to meet the demands of a social environment. It takes many forms and can be seen in conformity, socialization, peer pressure, obedience, leadership, persuasion, sales, and marketing
Social influence promotes positive social change:
• Awareness campaigns: Social influence through media and leaders can raise awareness about critical issues, driving public attention and action. Eg: Heads Up campaign to promote wearing helmets for safety.
• Eg: Heads Up campaign to promote wearing helmets for safety.
• Role models: Influential figures who embody desired behaviors can inspire others to adopt similar positive practices, setting examples for societal norms. Eg: ISRO using APJ Abdul Kalam stories to inspire young minds.
• Eg: ISRO using APJ Abdul Kalam stories to inspire young minds.
• Peer pressure: Positive peer pressure can encourage individuals to conform to beneficial behaviors, such as sustainable practices or community involvement.
• Community mobilization: Social networks can mobilize communities to advocate for policy changes, participate in social initiatives, and support reforms. Eg: NGO PRATYeK plays a significant role in the mobilization of youth in environmental actions.
• Eg: NGO PRATYeK plays a significant role in the mobilization of youth in environmental actions.
• Behavioral norms: Influential groups can shift societal norms and values towards more ethical and socially responsible behavior. Eg: PETA actively encourages people to adhere to animal ethics.
• Eg: PETA actively encourages people to adhere to animal ethics.
Limitations of social influence:
• Resistance to change: Deep-seated beliefs and cultural practices may resist new influences, limiting the impact of social change efforts. Eg: Patriarchal mindset among society resistant towards gender equity.
• Eg: Patriarchal mindset among society resistant towards gender equity.
• Misinformation: The spread of misinformation or biased viewpoints through influential channels can hinder genuine progress. Eg: UP mob lynching incident due to social media child kidnapper news.
• Eg: UP mob lynching incident due to social media child kidnapper news.
• Unequal reach: Social influence may not equally reach all demographics, potentially excluding marginalized or remote communities. Eg: Women in India use phones 41% less than men as per GSMA data.
• Eg: Women in India use phones 41% less than men as per GSMA data.
• Short-term focus: Social influence often focuses on immediate issues rather than long-term systemic changes, potentially leading to superficial progress.
The Indian government has successfully used social influence in the following schemes:
• Swachh Bharat Abhiyan was launched by the Indian government in 2014 to promote cleanliness, hygiene, and sanitation across the country. Regular use of informational content on social media and charismatic leader promotion was used to influence people’s attitudes. Eg: PM Modi plogging along the beach walk to sensitise people.
• Eg: PM Modi plogging along the beach walk to sensitise people.
• Tourism promotion: Several states with different ads try to influence tourists to visit the state via digital campaigns, catchy slogans, and providing incentives in states. Eg: Meghalaya tourism promotion through “Halfway to heaven”.
• Eg: Meghalaya tourism promotion through “Halfway to heaven”.
• The Election Commission used various social influence strategies to persuade people to vote for the Lok Sabha election, 2024 through the use of celebrity promotions, ads, and posters. Eg: ECI used slogans such as “Chunav Ka Parv, Desh Ka Garv” to influence people.
• Eg: ECI used slogans such as “Chunav Ka Parv, Desh Ka Garv” to influence people.
Conclusion:
Harnessing social influence effectively requires integrating ethical role models, utilizing media campaigns, and fostering community engagement. By focusing on these areas, positive social change can be nurtured and sustained.
Q4. Your state is currently facing two significant labor-related controversies: a job reservation proposal for locals and a proposal to increase daily working hours in the IT and ITES sectors. Recently, the state government considered a Bill requiring 75% reservation for local candidates in non-management jobs and 50% reservation in management jobs within the private sector. However, after significant uproar, the Bill was halted. Meanwhile, there is a proposal to increase the maximum daily working hours from 10 to 14, including overtime, in the IT and ITES sectors. This proposal has raised concerns among employees and industry stakeholders about the potential impact on work-life balance and employee welfare. As the Chief Secretary of State, you are faced with addressing the potential ethical and practical implications of these proposals. The Employees Union has expressed concerns over the increased working hours, highlighting the negative impact on employees. There is also uncertainty regarding whether the weekly working hour limit of 48 hours will be revised. The government is committed to legalizing both laws before the end of the year. But you being the rational, compassionate, and pro-people bureaucrat disagree with the laws personally.
• Identify the stakeholders in the case and what are the ethical dilemma involved.
• As Chief Secretary of State, how would you try to persuade the government to change its stance?
• “Persuasion skills exert a far greater influence over others’ behaviors than formal power structures do”. Do you agree with this view? Justify your stance. [20M]
Key Demand of the Question: Identify the stakeholders and dilemmas in the case study. Also to suggest your approach towards persuading the government. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Start with the nuances of the case study. Body: The answer body must have the following aspects covered First identify the stakeholders and ethical dilemmas in the case study. Being chief secretary mention your approach to persuade the government. In opinion questions have to represent both agreeing and disagreeing stances. At last, conclude with a balanced view. Conclusion: You can use a quote or you can summarise your views to conclude.
Key Demand of the Question: Identify the stakeholders and dilemmas in the case study. Also to suggest your approach towards persuading the government.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with the nuances of the case study.
The answer body must have the following aspects covered
• First identify the stakeholders and ethical dilemmas in the case study.
• Being chief secretary mention your approach to persuade the government.
• In opinion questions have to represent both agreeing and disagreeing stances. At last, conclude with a balanced view.
Conclusion: You can use a quote or you can summarise your views to conclude.
Introduction:
The given case resembles Karnataka’s ongoing issues with the new laws. This case revolves around the conflict between the employees working in the state and the capitalist.
• a) Ethical dilemmas involved in the above case are:
• Fairness vs. Merit: The job reservation proposal pits fairness in employment against merit-based hiring, raising the issue of how to balance local opportunity with selecting the most qualified candidates.
• Employee Welfare vs. Economic Efficiency: Increasing working hours may benefit economic efficiency but could negatively impact employees’ health and work-life balance, creating a conflict between economic gains and personal well-being.
• Individual Rights vs. Collective Good: Longer working hours may infringe on individual rights to a balanced life, yet proponents argue they could enhance overall economic productivity.
• Transparency vs. Decision-Making: Rapid implementation of these laws without adequate consultation or impact assessments questions the transparency and ethical basis of the decision-making process.
• Short-Term Gains vs. Long-Term Consequences: Focusing on immediate economic benefits might neglect long-term impacts on employee health, social stability, and productivity.
• b) As a Chief Secretary, I would use the following approach to pursue government:
• Present evidence-based arguments: Show data indicating that increased working hours could reduce productivity and raise health costs, while job reservations might cause inefficiencies and legal issues.
• Advocate for a balanced approach: Suggest phased job reservations and targeted training to address local talent needs without compromising merit.
• Emphasize employee welfare: Stress that maintaining reasonable working hours is crucial for productivity and reducing absenteeism, citing positive examples from other regions.
• Promote stakeholder consultation: Recommend inclusive decision-making with impact assessments and public forums to consider all perspectives and implications.
• Use fear complex: Will induce the fear of a negative image among the public which can hamper the government in elections and try to make the government rethink the decision it has made.
• c) Persuasion skills exert a far greater influence over others’ behaviors because:
• Emotional connection: Persuasion builds relationships and aligns with individual values, leading to more genuine engagement than formal authority, which can be impersonal. Eg: the Army is using Operation Sadbhavana in J&K to engage emotional connect.
• Eg: the Army is using Operation Sadbhavana in J&K to engage emotional connect.
• Voluntary compliance: Persuasion fosters voluntary adherence by resonating with personal interests, whereas formal power enforces compliance through authority. Eg: Mission LiFE initiative to nudge the people’s behavior.
• Eg: Mission LiFE initiative to nudge the people’s behavior.
• Trust building: Persuasion creates trust and rapport, encouraging sustained commitment. Formal power might not build trust and can sometimes provoke resistance.
• Long-term impact: Persuasion alters attitudes and beliefs, resulting in lasting behavior change. Formal power often achieves short-term compliance without changing underlying attitudes. Eg: India’s successful persuasion under SBM has led to the near elimination of open defecation.
• Eg: India’s successful persuasion under SBM has led to the near elimination of open defecation.
Situations where formal power influences more:
• Emergencies: In crises, formal power is crucial for immediate action. Persuasion may be too slow. Eg: To control the rioted region like Manipur where ethnic divisions are high.
• Eg: To control the rioted region like Manipur where ethnic divisions are high.
• Legal Compliance: Formal power enforces rules through legal mechanisms, whereas persuasion alone cannot replace legal authority. Eg: Handling the traffic signals and safety measures by police.
• Eg: Handling the traffic signals and safety measures by police.
• Organizational Control: Hierarchical structures rely on formal power for order and rule enforcement, which persuasion alone might not achieve. Eg: Military organizations cannot run on persuading every soldier but rather on the chain of command.
• Eg: Military organizations cannot run on persuading every soldier but rather on the chain of command.
• Resource Allocation: Decisions on resource allocation often require formal authority to implement effectively, beyond what persuasion can achieve. Eg: Finance commission recommendation and conditions to get loans and grants from the center.
• Eg: Finance commission recommendation and conditions to get loans and grants from the center.
Conclusion:
“To be persuasive we must be believable; to be believable we must be credible; to be credible we must be truthful.” Hence with maintaining the highest integrity and credibility, one can truly pursue in all the circumstances.
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