BPSC Mains PYQs

India’s political landscape has seen a rise in the number of political parties, particularly at the regional level. While a multi-party system is part of India’s democratic fabric, the sheer number of political parties, especially in states like Bihar, can pose challenges to effective governance. This situation often leads to fragmentation, instability, and policy paralysis, which can affect the state’s development and governance.

1. Political Fragmentation and Instability

One of the primary issues with having too many political parties in Bihar is the fragmentation of votes and the resulting instability. Bihar, with its complex social fabric and diverse electorate, has seen a rise in regional parties that cater to specific caste or community interests. For example:

• Rise of Caste-Based Parties: Political parties like the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Janata Dal (United), and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) have often been organized around specific caste groups. While this helps in political mobilization, it often leads to fragmented mandates and coalition governments, which struggle to maintain long-term stability.
• Coalition Politics: The need for forming alliances between multiple smaller parties creates weak governments. In Bihar, alliances like the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) and NDA (National Democratic Alliance) often face challenges in staying united. The 2020 Bihar Assembly elections saw an alliance between the RJD, Congress, and smaller parties, but internal disagreements within these coalitions affected their performance and governance.

2. Policy Paralysis and Lack of Consensus

Too many political parties in Bihar can lead to policy paralysis, as achieving a consensus among multiple parties with differing agendas becomes difficult. When smaller parties hold disproportionate influence in a coalition, they often demand policies that benefit their narrow interests, rather than the broader public. This can delay or derail important policy decisions.

• Example: The frequent changes in alliances in Bihar, especially the shifting ties between Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) and the BJP, illustrate how coalition governments struggle to implement consistent policies. In 2017, Nitish Kumar shifted sides from the Mahagathbandhan to the NDA, leading to policy confusion and instability.

3. Weakened Opposition and Lack of Strong Governance

While having a multi-party system ensures diversity of thought, it also weakens the opposition’s role in holding the government accountable. In Bihar, fragmented opposition parties often fail to provide a unified challenge to the ruling coalition. This weakens the ability of the electorate to hold the government accountable for its actions.

• Example: In recent elections, Bihar has seen a split in opposition votes, with multiple parties like the Congress, CPI, and RJD running separately. This division often results in the ruling parties (such as the JD(U) and BJP) being able to maintain power despite dissatisfaction among the people.

4. Challenges in Governance

The presence of too many regional and smaller parties leads to political gridlock in the legislature. For instance, Bihar Legislative Assembly often sees multiple parties demanding their share of resources and political positions, which can slow down decision-making processes. With too many players in the field, governance becomes a matter of negotiating power and influence, rather than focusing on effective policy implementation.

5. Benefits of Regional Parties and the Need for Balance

While having too many parties can cause issues, it is important to note that regional parties are vital in representing local interests. In a state like Bihar, where issues are often caste-based or region-specific, regional parties have played a key role in addressing the concerns of marginalized communities.

• Example: Parties like the RJD, led by Lalu Prasad Yadav, have been instrumental in raising issues of social justice, particularly for backward classes in Bihar.
• Need for Balance: The key to a stable and prosperous Bihar lies in balancing the role of regional parties while ensuring strong governance. A shift toward party coalitions based on shared policy goals and greater ideological coherence, rather than sheer caste or community-based appeal, might help address some of the challenges.

6. Conclusion: 

While India’s democratic framework allows the formation of multiple political parties, Bihar’s experience suggests that a too-fragmented political system hampers effective governance. A balance between regional representation and strong, stable coalitions is crucial for ensuring that governance remains responsive, transparent, and effective. Bihar’s politics would benefit from fewer but more cohesive political parties that focus on development issues rather than narrow sectional interests.

The Indian Constitution’s Preamble declares India as a “socialist, secular, democratic republic.” These principles are not just ideals but are reinforced through various constitutional provisions. Let’s break down each of these terms and the corresponding provisions that ensure their enforcement:

1. Socialist

• Definition: Socialism in the Indian context refers to the idea of social and economic justice. It emphasizes the equitable distribution of wealth and the reduction of social and economic inequalities.
• Constitutional Provisions:
  • Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP): Articles 38, 39, and 41 of the Constitution promote the welfare of the people by aiming to minimize inequalities in income and resources. For example, Article 38 instructs the state to “strive to promote the welfare of the people” by securing a just social order.
  • Nationalization: The state has the power to nationalize industries and resources for public welfare, which is in line with the socialist model. The nationalization of sectors like banking, coal, and steel in the 1950s and 1960s was an attempt to promote economic equality.

2. Secular

• Definition: A secular state does not endorse any religion and ensures equal treatment of all religions.
• Constitutional Provisions:
  • Freedom of Religion: Articles 25 to 28 guarantee individuals the freedom to practice, propagate, and profess any religion, subject to public order, morality, and health.
  • Non-discrimination on Religious Grounds: Article 15 prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
  • Secularism in Practice: The government does not favor any particular religion, and religious institutions cannot hold political power. This is exemplified by the state’s support for religious minorities through measures like the Minority Welfare Ministry.

3. Democratic

• Definition: A democratic state means that the people have the power to elect their representatives and influence governance through free and fair elections.
• Constitutional Provisions:
  • Universal Adult Franchise: Article 326 grants all citizens, irrespective of gender, caste, or religion, the right to vote and participate in elections. This ensures that the government is elected by the people and for the people.
  • Rule of Law: Articles 14 to 18 ensure that no individual or group is above the law, and that all people are treated equally before the law, reinforcing the democratic structure.
  • Free and Fair Elections: The Constitution provides for a system where elections to the Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies are held regularly to ensure that power remains with the people.

4. Republic

• Definition: A republic means that the head of state is elected and not a hereditary monarch.
• Constitutional Provisions:
  • Elected Head of State: Article 52 provides for the election of the President of India, who is the ceremonial head of state. This ensures that India remains a republic, with the president being elected indirectly by the people’s representatives in the electoral college.
  • Sovereignty: The President, elected every five years, represents the sovereignty of the people, ensuring that the country does not have a monarch or a hereditary ruler.

Conclusion

India’s Constitution incorporates several provisions to enforce the ideals of being a socialist, secular, democratic republic. These provisions ensure social justice, equality, and the protection of individual freedoms while promoting a political system that is inclusive and representative of the people’s will. By ensuring the equal treatment of all religions, the reduction of economic inequalities, and the promotion of democratic governance, the Constitution aims to create a just society in which every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.

India maintains an open-door policy for the free movement of people between itself, Nepal, and Bhutan. This policy is rooted in historical, political, cultural, and economic ties that foster deep integration and cooperation among the nations. The open-border arrangement allows citizens of these countries to travel freely without passports or visas. Here’s a breakdown of why this policy exists and its significance.

Historical and Cultural Ties

1. Historical Relationship

• India, Nepal, and Bhutan share historical, cultural, and geographical ties that go back centuries. The people of these countries share similar traditions, languages, and cultural practices, which has created a unique bond. For example, the shared reverence for Hinduism and Buddhism, which plays a significant role in the culture of all three countries, strengthens their ties.
• The free movement agreement was formally established in the 1950 Indo-Nepal Treaty and has continued to foster a deep sense of unity and cooperation between India, Nepal, and Bhutan.

2. Geographical Proximity

• The three countries are located in close proximity, with Nepal and Bhutan sharing borders with India. The movement of people across borders, whether for work, education, or family, is facilitated by their geographical closeness, making it more practical to maintain an open-door policy.

Political and Economic Factors

1. Strengthening Regional Cooperation

• India’s Neighborhood First Policy aims to build stronger relationships with its neighboring countries. The open-door policy with Nepal and Bhutan is an essential part of this strategy. It helps in strengthening diplomatic ties, regional security, and economic integration within the South Asian region.
• By encouraging easy movement, India fosters greater cooperation on regional issues, including trade, security, and cultural exchange. Nepal and Bhutan benefit from Indian resources and expertise, and India benefits from greater regional stability and economic integration.

2. Economic Integration

• Many citizens of Nepal and Bhutan work in India, contributing significantly to both economies. Indian industries benefit from Nepali labor, particularly in sectors like agriculture, construction, and hospitality, while Bhutanese workers contribute to hydroelectric power plants and other projects.
• On the flip side, Nepal and Bhutan enjoy the benefits of Indian market access for their agricultural and industrial products. By allowing free movement, these countries can participate more effectively in the regional economy.

Example: Many Nepali citizens live and work in cities like Delhi and Mumbai, where they contribute to both the labor market and cultural diversity.

Security and Strategic Considerations

1. Maintaining Regional Stability

• The open-door policy promotes regional security and stability. The close relationship between the three nations ensures mutual trust and cooperation, making it easier to address common security challenges, including issues related to border control, counter-terrorism, and natural disasters.
• India’s open-door policy allows Nepal and Bhutan to engage in security arrangements that support India’s broader strategic interests in the region, particularly in countering Chinese influence in neighboring Tibet.

2. Free Movement of People as a Strength

• The free movement agreement enhances people-to-people contact, fostering shared security interests and building closer relationships between the countries. A major strength of the open-door policy is that it enables collaborative action on challenges such as cross-border terrorism and climate change.

Socio-cultural and Educational Exchange

1. Cultural Integration

• The open-border policy allows for seamless cultural exchange between India, Nepal, and Bhutan. People from these countries can visit each other, engage in festivals, events, and cultural practices, strengthening the bonds of friendship and mutual respect.
• The shared cultural heritage of these countries is a powerful tool for strengthening ties. India, with its rich cultural diversity, has a significant influence on Bhutanese and Nepali culture, and vice versa.

2. Educational and Employment Opportunities

• Students from Nepal and Bhutan often travel to India to pursue education, particularly in higher education and professional courses, benefiting from India’s affordable educational infrastructure. Likewise, Indian students also benefit from academic exchanges in Nepal and Bhutan.
• The free movement also provides employment opportunities for people in rural areas, where migration to nearby Indian cities is common for livelihood.

Conclusion

India’s open-door policy with Nepal and Bhutan fosters cultural, political, and economic cooperation, allowing for the free movement of people across borders. This policy strengthens regional ties, promotes economic integration, and enhances security cooperation. While there are challenges in managing open borders, the benefits of close collaboration among these countries far outweigh them, contributing to a peaceful and prosperous region.

The Chabahar Port, located in southeastern Iran, serves as a strategic gateway for India to enhance its trade connectivity with Afghanistan and beyond. With its New Export Route operational, the port bypasses Pakistan and strengthens India’s trade and economic ties with Afghanistan and Central Asia. Here’s a discussion on the prospects of trade promotion:

Importance of Chabahar Port for India-Afghanistan Trade

1. Enhanced Connectivity:

• The Chabahar Port provides direct maritime connectivity between India and Iran, which is followed by overland routes to Afghanistan. This reduces dependence on Pakistan, which has long restricted India-Afghanistan trade via its territory.

2. Cost-Effective and Time-Saving:

• The route significantly shortens the transit time for goods between India and Afghanistan. For instance, the shipment of goods like wheat and medicines through Chabahar ensures quicker delivery compared to traditional routes.

3. Access to Central Asia:

• Chabahar acts as a gateway for India’s broader ambitions in Central Asia, allowing Indian goods to reach landlocked markets such as Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan via Afghanistan.

Prospects for Trade Promotion

1. Export of Indian Goods to Afghanistan:

• India’s primary exports to Afghanistan include wheat, medicines, and consumer goods.
• With Chabahar, Indian goods can be exported seamlessly, promoting agricultural and industrial trade.

2. Afghanistan’s Exports to India:

• Afghanistan exports dried fruits, nuts, carpets, and other agricultural products. The new route makes it easier for Afghan exporters to reach Indian markets, fostering economic development in Afghanistan.

3. Development of Afghan Economy:

• Better connectivity boosts Afghanistan’s trade capacity, reduces costs, and enhances employment opportunities, contributing to its economic stability.

4. Strategic Leverage for India:

• By developing Chabahar and engaging with Afghanistan economically, India strengthens its strategic presence in the region, countering Pakistan’s and China’s influence, particularly in the context of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Benefits of the New Route

1. Bilateral Growth:
   • Enhanced trade creates mutual economic benefits, with Afghanistan receiving Indian investments in infrastructure, agriculture, and healthcare.
2. Regional Stability:
   • Trade ties foster interdependence, reducing conflict and encouraging regional collaboration.
3. Boost for Indian Industries:
   • Indian producers, especially in agriculture and pharmaceuticals, gain a stable export market in Afghanistan.

Challenges and Limitations

1. Security Concerns:
   • Afghanistan’s unstable security environment poses risks to the trade corridor.
2. Geopolitical Pressures:
   • The Chabahar route faces challenges from sanctions on Iran, which could impact its operational efficiency and India’s investments.
3. Infrastructure Development:
   • Further infrastructure investments are needed in Afghanistan to fully utilize the trade potential through Chabahar.

Illustrative Examples

1. Wheat Shipment:
   • In 2017, India sent 1.1 million tons of wheat to Afghanistan via Chabahar, demonstrating the port’s potential in facilitating large-scale trade.
2. Zaranj-Delaram Highway:
   • Built by India, this highway connects Chabahar to Afghanistan’s road network, enhancing the overall viability of the route.

Conclusion

The Chabahar Port and the New Export Route hold immense potential to transform India-Afghanistan trade relations by creating a direct, cost-effective link. While there are challenges, strategic investments and political will can ensure the success of this initiative. This partnership not only strengthens bilateral economic ties but also contributes to regional stability and prosperity​.

The 19th-century overseas immigration from British India, driven primarily by the indenture system, was a response to the labor demands of colonial plantations worldwide. Bihar played a significant role as a source of indentured laborers due to specific socio-economic conditions.

Reasons for Overseas Immigration

1. Economic Hardship:
   • Widespread poverty due to high taxes, forced commercialization of agriculture, and land revenue systems like the Permanent Settlement led to a decline in the rural economy.
   • Frequent famines, such as the 1873 Bihar famine, forced peasants to seek alternative livelihoods and Debt.
   • The loss of traditional industries and crafts during British industrialization increased unemployment.
   • Indebtedness among peasants made migration an attractive escape .
2. Demand fornies:
   • Following the abolition of slavery in 1833, colonial plantations in the Caribbean, Mauritius, Fiji, and other regions faced a severe labor shortage.
   • The British introduced the indenture system to transport Indian laborers under fixed contracts .
3. **Coercion and Misrepresentationagents, or arkatis, often misled individuals about the nature of work, wages, and living conditions abroad, luring many into indentured servitude .

Indenture System: Features and Impact

1. NatSystem:
   • Laborers, known as girmitiyas, signed agreements for 5-10 years of work.
   • They were transported to plantations in colonies like Mauritius, Trinidad, Guyana, and Fiji to work under harsh conditions .
2. Bihar’s Contribution:
   • Bihar emerged as a significant – Agricultural distress and indebtedness among farmers.
     • Proximity to the ports of Kolkata, which facilitated transportation .
   • Many Bihari laborers emigrated to Mauritius, where they formed a substantial part an diaspora.
3. Living and Working Conditions:
   • Laborers endured grueling hours, poor living conditions, and physical abuse.
   • Many faced isolation and a loss of contact with their homeland .

Preservation of Cultural Identity

Despite the challenges, indentured laborers managedof their cultural identity:

• Religion and Festivals: Hindu festivals like Diwali and Muslim observances like Eid were celebrated, fostering a sense of community.
• Language and Cuisine: Bhojpuri and Hindi languages, along with traditional Indian cuisines, became integral to the cultural landscape of the diaspora.
• Institutions: Establishing temples, mosques, and schools helped in maintaining cultural practices .

Conclusion

The indenture system was a response to labor demands in colonial economies but was rooted in tsperation of the Indian peasantry. Bihar’s significant role highlights the socio-economic factors driving emigration. Despite adversities, indentured laborers preserved their cultural identity, shaping the heritage of Indian communities in foreign lands .