The changes which have been introduced in the Indian Constitution in the recent past have shifted the balance of federal landscape and administration further to the Centre. For example, the Centre abrogated Article 370 in August 2019 and bifurcated Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories, whichRead more
The changes which have been introduced in the Indian Constitution in the recent past have shifted the balance of federal landscape and administration further to the Centre. For example, the Centre abrogated Article 370 in August 2019 and bifurcated Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories, which made most of the state’s autonomy nugatory, reporting directly to New Delhi. This was a particularly clear sign of a more active and dominant policy on the part of the central government in relation to the states, especially in matters of a federal character. For instance, while the 101st amendment in 2017 has integrated GST, it has necessitated the centralisation of tax collections. While this aided in the process of tax simplification it restricted the autonomy of the states on fiscal policy and made them more dependent on central grants. These changes have impacted local governance by reducing the ability and capacity of the state government to tackle issues that are local or peculiar to any region. Battles over centralization of power occurred concerning the loss of control over the economy and the management of specific regions, and the consequences of this for variation and autonomy of states. In this regard the change has generated questions on the efficiency of regional governance structures and capacity of states to address population needs where there is no adequate decentralization.
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The uneven distribution of natural resources can greatly contribute to environmental pollution and degradation. When resources such as water, minerals, and forests are not evenly distributed, some areas experience overexploitation, while others remain underutilized. For instance, regions rich in minRead more
The uneven distribution of natural resources can greatly contribute to environmental pollution and degradation. When resources such as water, minerals, and forests are not evenly distributed, some areas experience overexploitation, while others remain underutilized. For instance, regions rich in minerals may face excessive mining, which can lead to soil erosion and water contamination. On the other hand, areas with limited resources might suffer from deforestation as people exploit nearby forests for survival.
This imbalance often results in pollution, as regions with abundant resources might see heavy industrial activity, generating significant waste and emissions. This pollution affects air quality, water sources, and soil health. Additionally, regions with fewer resources may struggle with poor waste management, worsening pollution issues.
To address these challenges, several strategies can be applied:
Implementing these strategies can help reduce pollution and ensure fair resource management.
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