Examine the issues that have impeded the Panchayati Raj System’s success in India. To what extent has the seventy-third amendment to the Constitution addressed these issues? 200 words [UPPSC 2021]
Main Provisions of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019 **1. Eligibility Criteria: The CAA, 2019 provides a pathway to Indian citizenship for non-Muslim refugees (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis) who entered India from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan before December 31, 2014. **2.Read more
Main Provisions of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019
**1. Eligibility Criteria: The CAA, 2019 provides a pathway to Indian citizenship for non-Muslim refugees (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis) who entered India from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan before December 31, 2014.
**2. Religious Exclusions: The Act explicitly excludes Muslims from this provision, which has led to significant controversy and debates regarding its discriminatory nature.
**3. Reduced Residency Requirement: The Act reduces the residency requirement for these refugees from 11 years to 5 years for obtaining Indian citizenship.
**4. Recent Developments: The CAA has faced widespread protests and legal challenges, with critics arguing it violates the secular principles of the Indian Constitution.
Conclusion: The CAA aims to provide expedited citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from neighboring countries, but it has been contentious due to its exclusionary criteria.
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The Panchayati Raj System in India has faced several challenges that hinder its success. *Key Issues* include: *Disempowerment of State Election Commissions (SECs)*: State governments often undermine the authority of SECs, leading to delayed elections and erosion of public trust . *Inadequate ResourRead more
The Panchayati Raj System in India has faced several challenges that hinder its success.
*Key Issues* include:
*Disempowerment of State Election Commissions (SECs)*: State governments often undermine the authority of SECs, leading to delayed elections and erosion of public trust .
*Inadequate Resources*: SECs lack sufficient funds and assistance from state governments, impacting their ability to conduct elections effectively .
*Limited Representation*: Many SECs are not empowered to conduct delimitation of wards or manage electoral rolls independently, relying on the Election Commission of India and state governments .
-*Lack of Transparency and Accountability*: Insufficient auditing practices and inadequate training for auditors and local government officials hinder effective governance .
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act aimed to address these issues by:
*Empowering SECs*: Vesting SECs with the responsibility of conducting elections to panchayats and urban local governments .
*Devolution of Powers*: Transferring powers to local governments, enabling them to take decisions and act independently .
*Ensuring Representation*: Mandating representation for marginalized communities, such as Scheduled Tribes, in decision-making bodies .
While the amendment has made progress, its success is limited. *Challenges Persist*, including inadequate implementation, lack of resources, and resistance from state governments. Strengthening SECs, promoting transparency and accountability, and ensuring greater devolution of powers to lower tiers of panchayats are essential for the Panchayati Raj System’s effectiveness .
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