Content:
- Counting matters
- A process where free and fair elections will be a casualty
- Trump 2.0 and the new matrix of U.S.-India defence ties
Counting Matters
Background of Delimitation in India
- Delimitation is the process of redrawing the boundaries of parliamentary and assembly constituencies based on population changes.
- It ensures proportional representation in a democracy while maintaining a balance among states.
- The 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976) froze the number of Lok Sabha and State Assembly seats based on the 1971 Census to ensure equitable development.
- The 84th Constitutional Amendment (2001) extended the freeze until the first Census after 2026.
Relevance : GS 2(Polity , Governance)
Practice Question: The process of delimitation must balance the principles of representation and federalism. Critically analyze the potential impact of upcoming delimitation on India’s federal structure and democratic representation. (250 words)
Concerns Over the Delimitation Process
- Population Growth Disparity: Southern states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka have lower fertility rates and population growth compared to northern states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
- Risk of Representation Loss: If delimitation is conducted solely on a proportional basis, southern states may lose seats in Parliament while states with high population growth may gain more.
- Federal Imbalance: The power balance between states could tilt in favor of the more populated northern states, reducing the influence of the south in national policymaking.
Census Delay and Political Implications
- The 2021 Census has been delayed, raising suspicions that it is being deferred to facilitate an earlier delimitation process.
- If delimitation occurs soon after 2026, before the expected 2031 Census, it may create political and regional tensions.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured that southern states will not face a reduction in their representation but has not clarified how proportional balance will be maintained.
Constitutional and Political Considerations
- Democratic Representation: Any alteration in the number of seats should balance both population representation and federal equity.
- Rajya Sabha as a Counterbalance: The upper house represents states equally, but the Lok Sabha is based on population, making delimitation a critical factor in federalism.
- Alternative Approaches: Instead of seat reduction, the total number of Lok Sabha seats can be increased to maintain regional balance.
The Need for Expediting the Census
- Conducting a Census is fundamental for planning and governance.
- Delaying the Census may create mistrust regarding the intentions behind delimitation.
- India’s global aspirations require accurate demographic data for effective policy planning.
A process where free and fair elections will be a casualty
Background of the Bill
- The Election Commission of India (ECI) is responsible for conducting free and fair elections under Article 324 of the Constitution.
- Traditionally, the CEC and ECs were appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, which raised concerns about impartiality.
- In March 2023, the Supreme Court ruled that the appointment of CEC and ECs should be done through a high-powered committee comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition (LoP), and the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
- In response, the government enacted the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, replacing the CJI with a cabinet minister nominated by the Prime Minister in the selection committee.
Relevance : GS 2 (Polity ,Elections)
Practice Question :”The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023 undermines the independence of the Election Commission of India, threatening the conduct of free and fair elections.” Critically analyze. (250 words)
Key Provisions of the Bill
- Selection Committee Composition:
- Prime Minister (Chairperson)
- Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha
- A cabinet minister nominated by the Prime Minister
- Selection Process:
- A search committee led by the Law Minister shortlists five candidates.
- The selection committee makes the final recommendation.
- The President must appoint the recommended candidate.
- Implications:
- Ensures government control over the selection process.
- Weakens the role of the LoP in decision-making.
Constitutional and Structural Issues in the Bill
(a) Violation of Article 324 – Independence of ECI
- The ECI must remain independent to uphold the sanctity of elections.
- The Bill ensures a 2:1 majority for the government, compromising the impartiality of appointments.
- The cabinet minister is bound to support the Prime Minister’s choice, making the LoP’s role redundant.
(b) Violation of Article 14 – Right to Equality
- The selection committee lacks fairness and objectivity, making the process arbitrary.
- It grants the ruling party an unfair advantage in choosing electoral officers, violating the principles of equal opportunity.
(c) Threat to the Basic Structure of the Constitution
- Free and fair elections are part of the Basic Structure Doctrine (Keshavananda Bharati case, 1973).
- The Bill undermines democratic fairness, affecting the purity of the electoral process.
(d) Legal and Precedential Concerns
- ECI vs. State of Tamil Nadu (1993) reaffirmed that the ECI must ensure electoral integrity.
- The Bill contradicts the 2023 Supreme Court ruling, inviting judicial scrutiny.
Criticism and Possible Implications
(a) Political Influence in Election Commission
- The CEC and ECs must be neutral and free from political pressure.
- The Bill allows the ruling party to influence ECI appointments, leading to biased electoral processes.
(b) Potential for Electoral Manipulation
- If the ECI is not independent, elections may become partisan and unfair.
- 960 million voters rely on a credible election process—compromising the ECI can weaken democratic faith.
(c) Supreme Court Review and Possible Outcomes
- The Supreme Court may strike down the Bill if found unconstitutional.
- It could reinstate judicial involvement in appointments or suggest a new, independent selection process.
Trump 2.0 and The New Matrix of U.S.-India Defence Ties
Recent Developments in U.S.-India Defence Ties
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the U.S. (February 13, 2025) gave a strong push to bilateral defence cooperation.
- India and the U.S. have signed a new 10-year Framework for Major Defense Partnership, focusing on interoperability and co-development.
Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)
Practice Question : The U.S.-India defence partnership has seen substantial momentum under the Modi-Trump 2.0 administration. However, challenges remain in technology transfer, procurement processes, and operational compatibility. Analyze the key areas of cooperation and challenges in this evolving defence relationship. (250 words)
Key acquisitions and collaborations:
- Javelin ATGM & Stryker ICVs: Co-production will boost India’s domestic defence manufacturing and integration into the global supply chain.
- P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft: Six additional units to strengthen India’s Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).
- Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) & Autonomous Systems:
- Collaboration between Anduril Industries (USA) and Mahindra Group (India).
- L3Harris (USA) and BEL (India) co-developing Active Towed Array Systems (ATAS).
- Launch of Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA) for further advancements.
- Potential areas of expansion:
- Undersea warfare
- Fifth-generation fighter aircraft
- Space, air defence, and anti-tank missiles
Regulatory and Procurement Reforms
- Review of arms transfer regulations to streamline defence trade and maintenance.
- Initiation of negotiations for a Reciprocal Defence Procurement (RDP) Agreement:
- Aligns defence acquisition mechanisms.
- Facilitates mutual supply of defence goods and services.
Challenges and Unmet Expectations
- GE Aerospace Engine Supply Delay:
- Urgent requirement for F-404 GE-IN-20 engines for Tejas Mark 1A not addressed.
- F-414 engines (for Tejas Mark-II): Lack of clarity on the 80% Transfer of Technology (ToT) to HAL.
- F-35 Fighter Jet Proposal:
- The U.S. reiterated the possibility of India purchasing F-35 Lightning II.
- Challenges in integration:
- IAF is already struggling with operational gaps in fighter squadrons.
- High costs of maintenance, infrastructure, and U.S. on-site inspections.
- Potential U.S. restrictions on operational use.
- Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) revival:
- India still needs 114 multirole fighter aircraft.
- The Rafale deal (2016) settled at $244 million per unit, while F-35 costs $80 million per unit but lacks co-production and ToT.
Strategic Implications and the Road Ahead
- India’s balancing act:
- While engaging with the U.S., India must ensure strategic autonomy.
- Need to avoid over-reliance on any single defence supplier.
- Future opportunities:
- Stronger alignment in joint defence R&D, technology sharing, and supply chain integration.
- Enhanced cooperation in space, cyber warfare, and AI-driven military technologies.
- Addressing capability gaps:
- Prioritizing fighter aircraft procurement to maintain operational readiness.
- Strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
