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Indian Polity
The Indian polity is a federal, parliamentary democracy. The legislative branch, the Parliament, consists of the Lok Sabha (lower house) and the Rajya Sabha (upper house), with the Lok Sabha being the more powerful.
India’s federal structure grants significant autonomy to its 28 states and 8 union territories, each with its own elected government and legislative assembly.
ocal governance is further decentralized through the Panchayati Raj system, empowering communities at the district, block, and village levels.
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In your opinion, how can conducting simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies enhance overall governance in India?( 200 Words)
Model Answer Simultaneous elections, or the "One Nation, One Election" (ONOE) concept, can bring several benefits to India's governance. The primary advantages are discussed below: Focus on Development Programs Simultaneous elections would reduce the frequent imposition of the Model Code of ConductRead more
Model Answer
Simultaneous elections, or the “One Nation, One Election” (ONOE) concept, can bring several benefits to India’s governance. The primary advantages are discussed below:
Focus on Development Programs
Simultaneous elections would reduce the frequent imposition of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which often hampers ongoing developmental activities. By minimizing election-related disruptions, governments could focus more on long-term governance and development rather than managing electoral processes continuously.
Administrative Efficiency
Holding elections together would lead to significant administrative efficiency. During separate elections, millions of personnel, such as security forces and teachers, are deployed to manage polling booths. For example, the 2019 Lok Sabha elections saw the deployment of over 20 lakh security personnel. By holding elections simultaneously, these resources could focus on their primary duties, improving overall administrative functionality.
Cost Savings
Simultaneous elections would rationalize the expenditure on logistics and infrastructure. In 2024, the government planned to spend over Rs. 5000 crore on Lok Sabha elections alone. By consolidating national and state elections, this cost could be minimized and redirected toward developmental projects, promoting better governance.
Enhanced Voter Turnout
Simultaneous elections can increase voter participation, as voters would be able to cast ballots for both national and state representatives at the same time. This was evidenced in 1999 when elections in Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh saw an 11.5% increase in voter turnout due to simultaneous elections.
Mitigating Disruptions
Frequent elections often disrupt public life and services. Holding simultaneous elections would minimize such disruptions, ensuring that essential services remain unaffected during electoral periods.
Challenges to Simultaneous Elections
Despite these benefits, challenges persist. National elections could overshadow regional concerns, diminishing the focus on local issues. Furthermore, if a government falls before completing its 5-year term, synchronizing the next election would be complicated. Political accountability could also suffer, as representatives would face elections only once every five years, reducing the frequency of public feedback.
In conclusion, if the challenges of synchronization and regional concerns can be addressed, simultaneous elections have the potential to foster stable and development-oriented governance in India.
See lessAlthough the measures taken by the Central government have influenced state finances, the primary responsibility for the financial challenges faced by state governments lies with the states themselves. Discuss.( 200 Words)
Model Answer Introduction Recently, several states have protested against what they perceive as fiscal discrimination by the Centre, even approaching the Supreme Court of India. While the measures taken by the Central government have certainly impacted state finances, it is essential to examine theRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Recently, several states have protested against what they perceive as fiscal discrimination by the Centre, even approaching the Supreme Court of India. While the measures taken by the Central government have certainly impacted state finances, it is essential to examine the financial challenges faced by state governments and the role they play in this situation.
Central Government Measures Impacting State Finances
Increase in Cesses and Surcharges
The Central government has increased the share of cesses and surcharges, effectively reducing the amount of tax revenue available to states. For instance, the share of cesses and surcharges in the Centre’s gross revenue increased from 8.6% in 2010-11 to 28% in 2021-22, which has diminished the divisible pool for states.
Decline in Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS)
The reduction in Centrally Sponsored Schemes from 130 to 70 starting in April 2023 has placed additional financial burdens on states. The reduction has limited central assistance, making it harder for states to finance key projects.
Restricting Borrowing by States
The Centre has reduced the fiscal space available to states by including their off-budget borrowings in the Net Borrowing Ceiling (NBC). For example, Kerala challenged this move in the Supreme Court, arguing that it severely restricted their ability to manage state finances.
State Governments’ Role in Financial Challenges
Power Sector Issues
State governments often cover the losses of power companies with grants or guarantees against their borrowings, which increases their contingent liabilities. For example, nearly 40% of loans raised by state-owned entities are guaranteed by state governments.
Non-merit Freebies
Several states have allocated substantial funds for non-merit freebies, such as loan waivers and subsidies, which strain their fiscal capacity. States like Punjab have been identified as being on the brink of a fiscal crisis due to these subsidies.
Reintroduction of Old Pension Scheme (OPS)
Some states, including Rajasthan and Punjab, have reinstated the OPS, which places a significant future burden on state finances and limits capital expenditures.
Excessive Borrowings
States like Tamil Nadu have consistently borrowed to fund welfare schemes, leading to rising debt levels. Tamil Nadu, for example, has been the top borrower in the country for the past four years.
Conclusion
While central measures have certainly affected state finances, the states themselves also need to address their financial management issues. A balanced approach that enhances states’ revenue-generating capabilities and ensures timely transfers from the Centre is necessary for tackling the looming fiscal challenges.
See lessCompare and contrast the concept of separation of powers as practiced in India, the USA, and the UK. ( 200 Words)
Model Answer Introduction The principle of separation of powers ensures a clear demarcation of responsibilities among the three branches of government—Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary. It includes checks and balances to prevent any branch from becoming overly powerful. While India, the USA, andRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The principle of separation of powers ensures a clear demarcation of responsibilities among the three branches of government—Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary. It includes checks and balances to prevent any branch from becoming overly powerful. While India, the USA, and the UK adhere to this concept, their implementation reflects their unique constitutional frameworks and historical contexts.
Similarities
1. Existence of Three Organs
All three nations recognize the division of government into the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary.
2. Checks and Balances
Each country has mechanisms to maintain a balance of power:
Differences
1. Codified vs. Uncodified Constitutions
2. Degree of Separation
Conclusion
The separation of powers in India, the USA, and the UK reflects their distinct constitutional frameworks. While the USA maintains strict separation, India allows functional overlaps, and the UK’s system is more flexible due to its uncodified Constitution.
See lessWhy are the Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs), often referred to as 'Mini Parliament', ineffective in fulfilling their responsibilities? ( 200 Words)
Model Answer Nature of Recommendations Non-Binding Recommendations: The recommendations made by DRSCs are not binding on the government, reducing their impact. Example: Despite detailed recommendations by the Committee on Communications and Information Technology to mitigate internet shutdowns, therRead more
Model Answer
Nature of Recommendations
Low Productivity
Decreasing Bill Referrals
Inadequate Technical and Support Staff
Conclusion
To enhance the functioning of DRSCs and restore their role as a robust mechanism of parliamentary oversight, the following measures are necessary:
- Making recommendations binding to ensure implementation.
- Increasing the referral of Bills for thorough scrutiny.
- Strengthening committee staffing and technical support.
See lessThe Supreme Court of India recently acknowledged that the right to protection from the harmful effects of climate change is closely linked to the right to life and equality. Discuss the judiciary's role in the constitutionalization of environmental issues. ( 200 Words)
And the recent Indian Supreme Court recognition that the right to be protected from the adverse effects of climate change is inextricably linked to the right to life and equality is a watershed moment of the legal integration of the environment. This ruling underscores the judiciary’s growing involvRead more
And the recent Indian Supreme Court recognition that the right to be protected from the adverse effects of climate change is inextricably linked to the right to life and equality is a watershed moment of the legal integration of the environment. This ruling underscores the judiciary’s growing involvement in addressing environmental problems and illustrates a growing recognition that the environment is a human right. In the context of India, the courts have often become proactive defenders of environmental justice, expanding the meaning of constitutional rights to include the need for environmental protection. The right to clean and healthy environment has now emerged as a significant facet of the right to life articulated in Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. This line of thinking is not novel but it keeps evolving, and perhaps more so as we begin to experience climate change ramifications that are increasingly acute and widespread. The Supreme Court’s decision stands as proof that the mission of protecting the environment is promoted by the Court’s energy in requiring that environmental protection be more than just policy consideration — it is a constitutional obligation.
The Court connects climate change to rights with its reference to life and equality, emphasising that environmental degradation affects the most vulnerable, those most in need of protection and that this affects future generations too, and that there must be accountability for basic rights. It demands that the government implements stricter policies to address climate change and protect the environment, ensuring that all citizens have a healthy and safe habitat — regardless of social or economic standing.
Additionally, the role of the judiciary in integrating environmental issues into constitutional discourses is crucial for ensuring government accountability in its policies and actions related to the environment. Through instruments like public interest litigation (PIL), courts can order implementation of stricter regulations, application of existing laws, and consideration of new ideas to resolve environmental challenges. This activism invokes environmental matters in the broader field of human rights and constitutional law, creating more synergies because a case should be treated fairly both regarding human rights and the environment.
The Supreme Court, finally realizing that the environment having dealt in its margin, as climate change sustains the existential threat, will no longer be an issue for civil regulation, but a matter of constitutional law, has now adopted the position according to which the protection the environment is a duty of the state and the human right to the environment is the main feature of constitutional law. This decision by the court affirms that recognition and will guide policies and ruling in the future towards a more sustainable and just society.
See lessExamine the criticisms directed at the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding its effectiveness in investigating money laundering offences and violations of foreign exchange laws.( 200 Words)
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is one of the premier agencies in India which investigates offences related to money laundering and violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). Though its role is vital to enforcing economic security and national security, the ED has faced criticism onRead more
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is one of the premier agencies in India which investigates offences related to money laundering and violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). Though its role is vital to enforcing economic security and national security, the ED has faced criticism on several fronts including on the effectiveness of its investigation and prosecution of financial crimes. This piece details those criticisms, and introduces some of the many obstacles and controversies that have shrouded the ED’s operations.
Accusations of Political Interference
One of the main charges against the ED is that it is obliged to carry out investigations at the behest of political forces. Critics say the agency tends to target political enemies or people who have fallen out of favor with the powerful. The result has bred accusations of a politicized prosecution and a lack of impartiality. Several high-profile cases have raised suspicions based on the timing of the investigations and the specific allegations, which some see as politically motivated. Such perceptions would not only sap public confidence in the ED but also prevent it from conducting fair and efficient investigations.
Protracted and Complex Investigations
The ED was already under fire for the long duration and complexity of its investigations. Many cases can take years, prolonging justice, sometimes causing significant distress to the accused. The complex nature of the financial crimes, and the agency’s bureaucratic tendencies, are often blamed for those delays. However, this glacial pace can also serve the purpose of a strategic move to ratchet the pressure on the implicated, when we are dealing with politically sensitive matters. Over time, evidence can degrade and memories — the best evidence of all, prosecutors argue — fade, making it harder to secure convictions.
Lack of Transparency and Accountability
There is a constant blame on the ED for working as a dark organization with more opaque its working style with fewer know-hows of their working mechanisms. This lack of transparency has raised concerns about the agency’s accountability and the risk of an abuse of power. Critics argue that the ED should present a more transparent picture of its work, including the reasons why it began investigations and the criteria it used to choose cases. Not only would greater transparency help restore public trust, but it would keep the agency accountable for its actions.
Abuse and Misuse of Authority: Another significant criticism is centered on the alleged abuse and misuse of the power by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The agency stands accused of using its investigatory muscle to harass and intimidate individuals and organizations. Critics cite cases where the ED has kept people for extended periods with little in the way of evidence or imposed travel bans that are seen more as punishment than precaution. Q: What does the government’s overreach look like? Q: And…how about us?
Lack of legal framework: The legal framework governing the ED, specifically the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, has come under fire for being insufficient and even at times, oppressive. One provision in the PMLA allows the liquidating of properties and assets even without a conviction, which has been used for several cases to punish individuals and entities without a determination of guilt. Hence, there have been demands for a rethinking of the provisions under the PMLA that ensure justice and equity.
Resource Constraints and Capacity Limitations: Challenges in resources and capacity also limit the ED’s effectiveness. The agency often does not have enough personnel, technological advancement, or expertise in specialized fields to tackle the complex and advanced challenges of white-collar crimes. It can therefore result in poorly conducted investigations, mishandling of evidence, and over-clouded cases due to insufficient evidence. Strengthening Human and Financial Resources of ED for improved operational and credibility of the agency.
Problems of Coordination and Cooperation: Addressing financial crimes often requires cooperation and coordination with other law enforcement agencies both within and across jurisdictions. That being said, the ED continues to be criticized for poor coordination with other agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation, CBI), income tax department, etc. This lack of synergy can lead to overlapping investigations, redundant efforts, and, at times, contradictory findings. Moreover, international cooperation is key to handling cross-border financial crimes and the ED’s track record on working with foreign agencies is often questioned.
Conclusion
The ED is an effective device in the war against economic offense in India but has farther to travel That’s because critical political interference, prolonged investigations, absence of transparency, overreach, weak legal frameworks, inadequate resources and lack of coordination are just some of the problems that need to be cracked. To help ED to break new ground in its working, people, legal and organizational structure to enhance the efficiency and credibility of the institution. If the agency is to protect the nation’s financial integrity and uphold the rule of law, and do so effectively, it must operate transparently and responsibly and without political pressure.
See lessArticles
Introduction The state legislature is a part of the machinery of government as provided by the Constitution of India. Its task is to write the laws of the state, to make sure that the machinery of governance runs in accordance with democracy and the rule of law. The Constitution describes how the goRead more
Introduction
The state legislature is a part of the machinery of government as provided by the Constitution of India. Its task is to write the laws of the state, to make sure that the machinery of governance runs in accordance with democracy and the rule of law. The Constitution describes how the government is intended to work in India by describing how state legislatures are constructed and what their powers are. This article will dissect these provisions in the Constitution to help contextualize how state legislatures are structured and the parameters of the arrangement.
Organization and Composition
Article 168 of the Constitution lays down how state legislatures will be structured. It allows for a bicameral (two chambers) system or unicameral (one chamber) system, depending on the each states discretion. With the exception of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh, all states in India have unicameral legislatures.
Unicameral Legislature — one house, the Legislative Assembly
2 Houses — Program: Bicameral Legislature — Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council.
Article 171 Eligibility for the membership of State legislature Candidate must be an Indian national and over 25 for the Legislative Assembly or over 30 for the Legislative Council. They also have to meet other qualifications set by the state, and they cannot hold a paid governmental position.
Duration
As per Article 172, the state legislature has a five-year term, which means that the Legislative Assembly generally runs for this period, unless it is dissolved before that. This can be extended by one year at a time, if the state are under the President’s Rule, as per Article 356, but only up to a total of three years. In contrast, the Legislative Council is a permanent body and does not dissolve. Instead, every other year, one-third of its membership retires and elections are held to replace them.
Officers
As there are rules for many legislative meetings, the state legislature’s officers are important. In the Legislative Assembly, these are the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. In the Legislative Council they are the president and vice president.
Speaker and Deputy Speaker: Contributors of Legislative assembly go with a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker by means of the provisions of Article 178. The Speaker presides over assembly meetings and the Deputy Speaker assists him and acts on his behalf when the Speaker is not able to act.
Chairman and Deputy Chairman: Article 179 members of the Legislative Council elect a chairman and a Deputy Chairman. Chairman: Presides over Council conferences; the Deputy Chairman assists and fills in if the Chairman is unavailable.
Privileges and Powers
The state legislature has forms and oversight powers to keep an independent and honest legislative course. Article 194 of the Constitution gives these privileges and powers just like that of Parliament.
Entitlements: Members are entitled to certain protections to conduct their functions without fear. These include the right to speak freely during legislative meetings, protection from being sued for what they say there, and access to information and resources that they may need.
Powers: It can legislate on matters in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution under the State List and the Concurrent List. Article 246 describes the subject matters over which the respective governments will legislate. The state parliament can also amend the state’s constitution, but to a lesser extent than the Union Parliament.
Addition of Provisions for Officers of the State Legislature
Removal of Officers: The procedure for removal of Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Chairman and Deputy Chairman is provided in Articles 178 and 179. They may be expelled by a majority vote of house members, with at least one-tenth of members qualifying in favor of the resolution.
Salaries and Allowances: Article 174 mentions the state legislature is responsible for determining the remuneration and allowances for the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Chairman, and Deputy Chairman, all of which are financed from the state’s Consolidated Fund.
State Legislature: The Powers of the State Legislature
The state legislature has all necessary powers for governing the state, per the Constitution:
Law-Making Powers: The state legislature can make laws on subjects in the State List and Concurrent List under Articles 246 and 248 of the Constitution, except for subjects allocated to the Union Parliament.
Financial Powers: Articles 202 and 203 define financial powers of the state legislature, including approving the state budget, deciding on taxes and permitting government spending.
Executive Oversight: State legislature manages executive branch by approving budget, questioning ministers and passing vote of no confidence which can lead to government stepping down.
Constitutional Amendments: According to Article 368, the state legislature can amend the state constitution by following prescribed procedures in consonance with the Constitution.
Conclusion
The state legislature is an important institution that handles the work of the state in India. It has a well-defined method by which it will work, including its structure, composition, tenure, officers, privileges and powers, and this is how it gets its name, the Constitution. These provisions are useful to know for anyone interested in learning how laws are made and how states are, in turn, governed, in India.
See lessParliamentary
The Committees Standing, especially those that are related to government departments, assist in ensuring that the administration is made to answer and operate correctly in line with the laws. These Committees act as connecting links between the legislature and the executive branch of the governmentRead more
The Committees Standing, especially those that are related to government departments, assist in ensuring that the administration is made to answer and operate correctly in line with the laws. These Committees act as connecting links between the legislature and the executive branch of the government in facilitating continuous oversight and scrutiny of them. In assessing the working of the committees, we may tell if they indeed keep the administration in a living scrutiny and would, additionally, instill a greater respect for parliamentary control.
The Role of the Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committees
Department-related parliamentary standing committees are permanent functional bodies of Parliament focusing on and dealing with the business of specific governmental departments or policy areas. The standing committees essentially initiate with consideration of legislation, monitoring government actions and programs, examining proposals for the budget, and inquiring into other matters of public concern. Standing committees are usually composed of elected Members of Parliament representing different political parties and viewpoints.
The activities of the committees include oversight and holding accountable the government for its organization of affairs and will never be subserved. The Public Accounts Committee has laid down an inflexible examination of public expenditure. It is empowered to summon witnesses-including most importantly, high-ranking government officials and chief officers of departments-to give their testimonies and reasoning for variations on the books relating to public spending or inefficiencies in the management. The constant oversight carries with it the continued discovery of possibilities for reform and improvement in the administration, therefore keeping it on its toes.
Legislative Consideration:The Department-related committees, in this case, review and provide recommendations concerning proposed legislation. The Department-Related Standing Committees are crucial to this function in India. For example, the DRSC on Home Affairs reviewed the Citizenship (Amendment Bill), 2019, and put together a detailed report raising myriad concerns and offering suggestions. The process forces the government to explain and refine its bills, compelling them into line with the public interest and the constraints of legality.
Policy Monitoring:Let there be these committees to further oversight the implementations of government policies and programs. In Australia, for example, Senate Standing Committees on Finance and Public Administration follow that regular examination of the soundness of government initiatives. Their inquiry into the implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme had it highlighted quite a number of issues that subsequently led to recommendations for policy readjustments. The never-ending strictures of such monitoring assure the administration would stick to accomplishing the outcomes it has pledged.
Inspiring Respect for Parliamentary Control
Public Trust: Works of department-related committees generally inspire greater public trust where the legislative process and government accountability take shape. Live broadcasts and dissemination of reports of committee hearings can offer better insight into how parliamentary control functions. In the United States, the House Committee on Oversight and Reform has garnered media attention as a result of its preferential inquiries, leading to reforms and quite a few notable changes in policy.
Bipartisan Cooperation: Most of the time, the committees are thus bipartisan; they happen to bring together individuals from opposing political parties in a partnership that helps find a common cause. Through such a path of cooperation, respect for parliamentary procedures and the rule of law could gain an impetus. An example includes the Canadian Standing Committee on Public Accounts, which has always been characterized by bipartisan cooperation critical to maintaining the integrity of the committee’s work and holding the government to the same standards, regardless of the party in power.
Power to Initiate Inquiries: It can be said that department-related committees yield an extensive impact with their improved public awareness initiatives, culminating in findings and recommendations of resounding worth. The thorough probing of certain administrative actions and decisions can serve as a specific deterrent to officeholders’ misbehavior and also serve to inspire good governance. An example of this would be a lot of inquiries conducted by the Portfolio Committee on Police on police brutality and corruption in South Africa that in all instances led to policy changes and the outworking of new oversight mechanisms.
Challenges and Limitations
In addition to being a critical part for the democratic nature of governance with their beneficial functions and operational advice are fraught with various challenges:
Resource Constraints: From time to time, with little space to manoeuvre, these Committees can make it less effective from-the-core attention and frequency in terms of their oversight. Sufficient funding and appropriate staffing can mediate the effective functioning of a Committee.
Political Interference: There is the possibility of political interference whereby committee members might prioritize the interest of the party over that of public scrutiny. This can be tackled through balanced party representation within the Committee with a stringent code of conduct in place.
Executive Resistance: Occasionally, answers to committee interrogatories are rejected or delayed by the executive, to the detriment of profitable operations on the part of the committee itself. Stronger parliamentary rules and support from legislative leadership are most required to address such resistance.
Conclusion
See lessThe parliamentary standing committees, related to concerned ministries or departments, have been the right balance of power existing between the legislature and executive branches of government. Continuous oversight, review of legislations, and monitoring of policies keep the administration quite alert. In the course of time, this work has mostly nurtured a State respect for parliamentary control, showcasing its credibility and accountability in matters of governance. However, for their optimal functioning with the fullest potential being attained, overcoming resource constraints, political interference, and executive resistance is important. When this happens, they can prove to be significant in enhancing the effectiveness and legitimacy of governance so that it functions with great diligence towards serving public interests.
Does the Indian budget system contribute to or help in preventing corruption? Analyze how budget allocation and financial oversight impact corruption levels in India ?
How the Budget System Can Contribute to Corruption: Opacity and Lack of Transparency: Complex Budgetary Processes: Beneath the apparently clear and rational system, budgeting may involve a number of susceptible and unclear steps, with little public participation/transparency. This lack of transparenRead more
How the Budget System Can Contribute to Corruption:
Opacity and Lack of Transparency:
Complex Budgetary Processes: Beneath the apparently clear and rational system, budgeting may involve a number of susceptible and unclear steps, with little public participation/transparency. This lack of transparency can create opportunities for corruption, such as:
Misallocation of Funds: Money can be embezzled to give it or use it for other purposes in the best interest of some people.
Inflated Costs: Tenders and contracts can be obtained at exorbitant prices for the award givers and the real prices are paid by the officials in cash difference.
Kickbacks and Bribery: Corruption through bribery and kickbacks ensures that the particular agency is able to receive funds, convenience for budgeting and approving projects.
Limited Public Participation:
Lack of Citizen Input: Deficit participation in the process of formulating its budget leads to lack of accountability and can also leads to the practice of corruption.
Lack of Public Awareness: The public cannot know where their money is being used, or when and where corruption is taking place if they are not informed about the budget.
Weak Oversight Mechanisms:
Inadequate Audits: It means that weak auditing systems may not be able to pick and check cases of corruption hence making them go unreported.
Limited Accountability: Misconduct is likely to be fostered whenever there are no precautions against officials employing public funds for unauthorised purposes.
How the Budget System Can Help Prevent Corruption:
Transparency and Accountability:
Open Budget Initiatives: Budgeting for and with citizens, engagement of citizens in budgetary processes, online access to budgetary paperwork, and citizen feedback forums can help reduce corruption in budget processes.
Independent Audits: Internal auditing is very useful in financial reporting irregularities since the auditing work is done by independent agencies.
Technology-Enabled Solutions:
Digitalization: E-governance of the budget, wherein people use technology to manage their budget such as through control panels, is a better way of managing budgets since it specially eliminates the mechanisms for manual alteration.
Strengthening Institutions:
Independent Regulatory Bodies: Improvement of the functions of independent regulatory agencies might improve the monitoring and implementation of budgetary laws and policies.
See lessCivil Society Engagement: This paper finds that active Civil Society Organization engagement in budget monitoring and advocacy can contribute to the identification and mitigation of corruption risks.
Key Priorities in the Elections Act
Key Provisions Under the Elections Bill Electoral Transparency and Accountability: Funding for election shall be legitimate so election spending would be possible and would free the money for illegal purposes. Empowering the Election Commission: To make the EC financially independent of the executivRead more
Key Provisions Under the Elections Bill
Electoral Transparency and Accountability:
Funding for election shall be legitimate so election spending would be possible and would free the money for illegal purposes.
Empowering the Election Commission:
To make the EC financially independent of the executive arm of the union government, the composition of the full-time EC must be non-partisan and transparent.
Politics Less Criminalization:
Declarations such as ‘Seriousness Charge’ will lead to the political whims of the candidate even while face the heat of the accusation. Special fast-track Courts for pending cases.
Reforms in Campaign Finance:
The prevention of spending of a candidate or party that could be experienced in constant costs by organizing the election.
Ban the Donation without the Disclosure of Identity of the Donor beyond a Certain Threshold: This will take accountability to a higher level and avoid possibility of fraud.
Promotion of Electoral Integrity:
Strengthening the structure of the mechanism for the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct.
Ensure security and transparency for EVMs.
Voter Empowerment and Awareness:
Voter Education process to involve the expenditure of the rest of illegal money and muscle power that are perceived necessary to get around with the norms.
Betterment in the protective and conviction mechanism so that voters are away from threats and warnings.
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