Parliament’s Role in Ensuring Executive Accountability in India

1. Legislative Oversight: The Parliament plays a crucial role in holding the executive accountable through debates and discussions on government policies and decisions. Members of Parliament (MPs) question the executive, scrutinizing their actions and decisions.

2. Committees: Parliamentary committees, such as the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Estimates Committee, review and audit government spending and performance, ensuring transparency and accountability.

3. Motion of No Confidence: The Parliament can pass a motion of no confidence against the government, which, if passed, can compel the resignation of the executive. This serves as a critical check on the executive’s power.

4. Question Hour and Debates: Regular sessions like Question Hour and parliamentary debates provide platforms for MPs to challenge and review executive actions and policies.

Conclusion: While the Parliament has mechanisms to ensure executive accountability, challenges such as party loyalty and political dynamics can sometimes limit its effectiveness.

Recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission and Their Impact on States’ Fiscal Position

1. Increased Devolution of Funds: The 14th Finance Commission, 2015, significantly increased the share of states in central taxes from 32% to 42%. This enhanced devolution provided states with greater financial resources, enabling them to address their fiscal needs more effectively.

2. Flexible Grants: The Commission introduced the concept of performance-based grants and untied grants, allowing states more flexibility in utilizing funds according to their priorities. This autonomy helped states tailor their expenditure to local needs.

3. Debt Sustainability: The Commission recommended setting up a Debt Relief Fund to assist states in managing their debt burden and improving fiscal sustainability. This measure helped states reduce their fiscal deficits and manage debt more prudently.

4. Fiscal Responsibility: The recommendations encouraged states to adhere to fiscal responsibility norms, promoting better financial management and discipline.

Conclusion: The 14th Finance Commission’s recommendations empowered states with increased resources, flexibility in fund utilization, and better debt management, thereby improving their fiscal health and autonomy.

Desirability of Greater Representation of Women in the Higher Judiciary

1. Ensuring Diversity: Greater representation of women in the higher judiciary fosters a more inclusive judicial system. Women bring diverse perspectives and life experiences that can enhance the breadth of understanding in legal interpretations and decisions. This diversity ensures that different viewpoints are considered, leading to more balanced and equitable judgments.

2. Promoting Equity: Increasing female representation addresses historical gender imbalances and promotes fairness within the judiciary. Women’s participation helps dismantle systemic barriers and biases, ensuring that the judiciary reflects the society it serves. This equitable representation also sets a positive example for gender parity across various sectors.

3. Enhancing Inclusiveness: A diverse judiciary is more likely to be inclusive of marginalized and underrepresented groups. Women’s presence at higher judicial levels can lead to better representation of women’s issues and broader social justice concerns in legal rulings.

Conclusion: Elevating women in the higher judiciary is crucial for fostering a fair, representative, and just legal system. It strengthens the judiciary’s credibility and effectiveness by reflecting societal diversity and promoting equity.

Doctrine of ‘Constitutional Morality’

1. Concept of Constitutional Morality

‘Constitutional Morality’ refers to the adherence to and promotion of the values and principles embedded in the Constitution of India. It is a commitment to the Constitution’s core ideals, such as justice, equality, and democracy, guiding both state actions and individual conduct.

2. Judicial Interpretation

K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017): The Supreme Court emphasized that Constitutional Morality is central to interpreting fundamental rights. The judgment upheld the right to privacy, asserting that respect for individual rights is integral to constitutional values.

Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018): The Court decriminalized consensual same-sex relations, highlighting that Constitutional Morality demands the protection of individual dignity and equality, aligning with the constitutional values of justice and non-discrimination.

3. Conclusion

The doctrine ensures that the Constitution’s fundamental values are upheld in governance and judicial decisions, reinforcing a commitment to democracy and human rights.

India’s Changing Policy Towards Climate Change in the Context of Geopolitics

1. Evolving Policy Landscape

India’s approach to climate change has undergone significant evolution, driven by both domestic needs and international pressures. Initially focused on economic development, India has increasingly recognized the necessity of integrating climate action into its policy framework. This shift is evident in its participation and commitments in various international forums.

2. Key International Fora and Commitments

Paris Agreement: India played a crucial role in the 2015 Paris Agreement, committing to limit its carbon emissions intensity and enhance its renewable energy capacity. The country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) include targets to reduce emissions intensity by 33-35% by 2030 from 2005 levels and to achieve 50% of its energy needs from renewables.

UN Climate Change Conferences (COP): At successive COP meetings, India has emphasized the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities,” advocating for financial and technological support for developing nations. The country has highlighted the need for equity in climate action, stressing that developed nations should bear a larger share of historical emissions and provide assistance to poorer nations.

G20 Summits: In G20 summits, India has balanced its position by supporting global climate goals while also addressing domestic concerns about economic growth. India’s strategy includes promoting sustainable development and green finance, showcasing its leadership in the global green economy.

3. Geopolitical Implications

Strengthening Strategic Partnerships: India’s climate policies have influenced its geopolitical relationships. Collaborative initiatives with countries like the United States and European Union in clean energy technology and climate finance have bolstered its strategic partnerships and positioned India as a global leader in climate action.

Regional Influence: India’s climate leadership extends to regional forums like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the International Solar Alliance (ISA). By promoting regional cooperation and clean energy initiatives, India enhances its influence in South Asia and among developing countries.

4. Domestic and Global Impact

Domestic Policy Integration: Domestically, India has aligned its climate policies with its growth strategies, implementing the National Action Plan on Climate Change and state-level climate action plans. These policies aim to promote renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, and adapt to climate impacts.

Global Recognition: India’s proactive stance on climate change has earned it recognition on the global stage, showcasing its commitment to environmental sustainability and sustainable development while addressing geopolitical concerns about balancing growth with climate action.

Conclusion

India’s evolving climate policy reflects a nuanced approach that integrates global commitments with national interests. By actively participating in international forums and forging strategic partnerships, India not only advances its climate goals but also enhances its geopolitical influence, positioning itself as a key player in global climate governance.