CURRENT AFFAIRS AND EDITORIALS | 23 JANUARY 2024

Examining the One Nation, One Election Framework

Source The Hindu

GS II (Indian Polity)

Why In News

In September 2023, the Union Government established a 'High-Level Committee on One Nation, One Election' with former President of India, Ramnath Kovind, serving as the chairman. The committee has convened three times and has actively sought input from various national and state political parties regarding the prospect of synchronizing election schedules.

Core Idea of One Nation-One Election (ONOE)

About

The concept of One Nation-One Election envisions a scenario where all State elections align with the general elections of Lok Sabha,  once every five years. The aim is to streamline the electoral process, minimizing the frequency of elections and saving valuable time and resources.

Background

The idea of a One Nation-One Election goes back to 1983 when the Election Commission first suggested it. Simultaneous elections were the usual practice in India until 1967. 

The first General Elections in 1951-52 featured voting for both Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies simultaneously, which continued in 1957, 1962, and 1967.

However, disruptions happened with the early dissolution of some Legislative Assemblies in 1968 and 1969. In 1970, the Lok Sabha was dissolved early, leading to fresh elections in 1971. As a result, until 1970, only the First, Second, and Third Lok Sabha completed their full five-year terms.

Global-View
The Fixed-term Parliaments Act of 2011 introduced simultaneous elections for stability in the UK. It mandated elections on the 7th of May 2015, and every fifth year on the first Thursday of May after that.
In Sweden, elections for the National Legislature and Local Bodies/Municipal Assemblies occur on a predetermined date

Benefits of Simultaneous Elections (ONOE)

Minimizing Distractions in Governance 

• Frequent elections divert national attention, causing a virtual administrative standstill.

• This preoccupation adversely affects India's growth potential and impedes efficient governance.

Impact of Model Code of Conduct

• The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) enforced during elections postpones crucial policy decisions at both national and local levels.

• Ongoing projects experience setbacks as election duties take precedence, resulting in a deceleration of routine administration.

Addressing Political Integrity:

• Frequent elections contribute to political corruption due to the need for substantial fundraising.

• Simultaneous elections can significantly diminish election expenses for political parties, eliminating the necessity for repetitive fundraising.

• It also reduces pressure on the public and business community for multiple election donations.

Economic Efficiency and Electoral Infrastructure

• In the initial Lok Sabha elections in 1951-52, 53 parties participated with around 1874 candidates, incurring Rs. 11 crore in poll expenses.

• The 2019 elections involved 610 political parties, approximately 9,000 candidates, and poll expenses nearing Rs. 60,000 crores (yet to be declared by political parties, as per the Association of Democratic Reforms - ADR).

• While initial infrastructure investments are necessary, utilizing uniform electoral rolls for all elections can yield substantial savings in time and money for updating and maintaining voter lists.

Optimizing Law Enforcement Resources

• Massive redeployment of police and paramilitary forces during elections incurs considerable costs and diverts essential law enforcement personnel from critical functions.

• Simultaneous elections can reduce these deployments, optimizing resources and enhancing law enforcement efficiency.

Financial Stability for State Governments

• Frequent elections prompt state governments to announce incentives to attract voters, often straining their finances.

• Simultaneous elections could alleviate this issue, reducing the financial burden on state governments and contributing to greater fiscal stability.

Challenges

Constitutional Concerns and Mid-Tenure Collapse   

• Constitutional Articles 83(2) and 172 establish a five-year tenure for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, raising concerns about the impact of a mid-tenure collapse.

• Questions arise about whether to hold elections in every state or impose President's Rule, complicating the constitutional framework.

Logistical Challenges in Implementing ONOE

• Implementation of ONOE presents significant logistical challenges, including securing electronic voting machines, personnel, and resources.

• The Election Commission may face difficulties managing such a massive electoral exercise, adding complexity to the ONOE proposal.

Federalism Concerns and Law Commission's Findings

• ONOE conflicts with the federalism concept, challenging India's identity as a "Union of States" as outlined in Article 1.

• Simultaneous elections may impede the autonomy of state governments, potentially increasing conflicts between the Centre and states.

• Varied terms and special provisions under Article 371 complicate the feasibility of simultaneous elections within the existing constitutional framework.

• Elections six months apart see a reduced 61% chance of voters choosing the same party, indicating potential biases.

Way forward

• Achieving simultaneous elections requires constitutional changes and amendments to electoral laws.
• Synchronizing elections for assemblies ending within six months of Lok Sabha polls is proposed to simplify the electoral process.
• Successful implementation demands substantial investment in electoral infrastructure, including EVMs, VVPAT machines, polling booths, and trained security personnel.
• A strong legal framework is crucial to handle contingencies like no-confidence motions, premature assembly dissolution, or hung parliaments.

In conclusion, the creation of the 'High-Level Committee' reflects a noteworthy effort to align elections in India. However,  Legal challenges, especially regarding the possible changes to State Legislature durations, pose a constitutional dilemma. The pivotal role of the Indian Supreme Court in determining the fate of 'One Nation, One Election' remains a central concern.

Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2024

Source PIB

GS II (Government Policy)

Why In News

• On January 22, 2024, the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, awarded the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar to 19 children in New Delhi. 

• The accolades were distributed across categories one each for Bravery, Science & Technology, and Innovation, four for Social Service, five for Sports, and seven for Art and Culture. 

About

• The Child Welfare Award, formerly known as the National Child Welfare Award, was established in 1979 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

• Simultaneously, the Bal Shakti Award, previously the National Child Award, was instituted in 1996 by the NGO Indian Council of Child Welfare.

• In 2018, these two awards underwent a name change and were merged to create the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, now administered by the Ministry of Women and Child Development

• These awards span seven categories Bravery, Art & Culture, Environment, Innovation, Science & Technology, Social Service, and Sports. They aim to provide national recognition for the remarkable talents and contributions of young individuals.

• The standard number of PMRBP awardees is 25, but the National Selection Committee has the authority to make exceptions and permit a higher number based on exceptional circumstances

Eligibility

• To qualify for the PMRBP, a child must be both an Indian citizen and a resident of India.

• The nominated act, incident, or achievement should have taken place within two years of the last date of application/nomination for the relevant year.

• The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) acknowledges the outstanding achievements of children aged 5 to 18 years (as of July 31 of the respective year)

Awards and Recognition

• Each PMRBP awardee gets a medal, a cash prize of Rs. 1 Lakh, a Certificate, and a Citation.

• The Selection Committee, led by the Union Minister for Women and Child Development, is responsible for choosing the deserving recipients

Award Presentation

The President of India presents these prestigious awards in the week preceding Republic Day every year.

PM Suryodaya Yojana to Provide Rooftop Solar Systems to 1 Crore Households 

Source- The Indian Express

GS-II & III (Government Policy / Energy)

Why In News

PM Modi introduces 'Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana': One crore households to get rooftop solar power systems, aiming for a total rooftop solar capacity of 40 GW.

About PM Suryodaya Yojana

• The Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana is a new effort to reach a rooftop solar capacity of 40 GW. 

• This program is all about putting solar power systems on the rooftops of homes. 

• The goal is to reduce electricity costs for lower and middle-income families and help India become more self-reliant in energy.

Previous Efforts to Promote Rooftop Solar Systems

About

• In 2014, the government launched the Rooftop Solar Programme to hit 40 GW by 2022. 
• It aimed to enhance residential rooftop solar capacity by providing financial aid and incentives to distribution companies.
• Although the initial goal was not achieved, by the end of 2023, rooftop solar generation reached 11 GW. Consequently, the government extended the deadline to 2026.

Key Features

• Consumers are eligible to receive monetary benefits for the surplus exported power by prevailing regulations.
• Consumers can enjoy scheme benefits via DISCOM tendered projects or the National Portal. DISCOMs play a limited role, in approving technical feasibility, installing a net meter, and inspecting the system.

• Net metering, a billing method, gives credits to solar system owners for the electricity they share with the grid.
• Extrasolar power from rooftop plants can be sent to the grid. Consumers can receive monetary benefits for the surplus power, following regulations.

India's Current Solar Capacity

• As of December 2023, India's solar power installed capacity stands at approximately 73.31 GW, according to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy's website. Within this, rooftop solar capacity is recorded at around 11.08 GW.

• In terms of total solar capacity, Rajasthan leads the nation with 18.7 GW, followed by Gujarat in the second position with 10.5 GW. Regarding rooftop solar capacity, Gujarat takes the top spot with 2.8 GW, trailed by Maharashtra at 1.7 GW.

• It is noteworthy that solar power constitutes a significant portion of the country's current renewable energy capacity, which totals around 180 GW.

Significance of Solar Energy Growth in India

• India faces the highest energy demand growth globally over the next 30 years, as per the International Energy Agency.

• Meeting this demand requires a reliable energy source beyond coal plants.

• Despite doubling down on coal production, India aims for 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.