Content:
- Manipur as a case for imposing Article 356
- No ‘X factor’ — reconciling freedom and accountability
- Twin negligence
- This time for Africa
Manipur as a case for imposing Article 356
Article 356 and the Failure of State Machinery
- Manipur violence has been ongoing since May 2023, showing a law and order breakdown, suggesting Article 356 intervention.
- Between May 3 and November 11, 2024, more than 250 people were killed and over a lakh people were displaced from their homes in the ethnic violence.
- Article 356 allows the President of India to take over a state’s administration if it can’t function according to the Constitution.
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar argued that Article 356 was necessary for such emergencies when the state government fails.
Relevance: GS 2( Polity ), GS 3 (Internal Security )
Practice Question: Explain the Manipur crisis and discuss how Article 356 can act as a potential solution. (150 marks)
Why Manipur’s Situation is Unique
- Unlike other regions like Nagaland or Jammu & Kashmir, violence in Manipur involves ordinary civilians, not just insurgents.
- Common people acting as both victims and forced participants in the violence, which is unusual compared to typical insurgencies.
- The government’s hesitation to act efficiently has drawn criticism for not prioritising peace and stability.
Constituent Assembly Views on Article 356
Support:
- Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar: It is the duty of the central government to step in if a state’s Constitution fails.
- K. Santhanam: Article 356 is crucial to prevent chaos during state breakdowns.
Opposition:
- H.V. Kamath: Called it a “constitutional crime,” warning it could lead to excessive central interference.
- Despite the debates, the Article was included to address severe emergencies.
Role of the Supreme Court and Its Limitations
- In May 2023, the Supreme Court ordered the government to restore peace, but violence continued despite multiple hearings.
- July 2023 saw the Court express deep concern over a high-profile incident involving women, highlighting the failure to protect fundamental rights.
- The ongoing violence suggests a gap between judicial directives and actual enforcement.
Need for immediate Presidential Intervention
- Dr. Ambedkar emphasised centres’ responsibility when a state’s governance collapses.
- Presidential Intervention is potential step to stop further violence and restore constitutional order.
No ‘X factor’ — Reconciling Freedom and Accountability
Relevance : GS 2(Polity ) , GS 4 (Ethics )
Practice Question: Discuss the implications of major news organizations like The Guardian leaving social media platforms like X in the Indian context. (150 words )
- Who is The Guardian?: The Guardian is a well-known British newspaper with a long history of journalism.
- Why They Left: They decided to leave X (formerly Twitter) because of the disturbing content on the platform, including far-right conspiracy theories and racism.
- Impact of U.S. Election: The U.S. presidential election campaign highlighted the platform’s toxicity and its influence on political discourse.
- Not Alone: Other major news organizations like NPR and PBS also left X in 2023, protesting the platform’s labelling of them as “government-funded media.”
- CCDH’s Concerns: The Center for Countering Digital Hate left X due to concerns about the platform’s revised terms of service. These changes could potentially hinder the organization’s ability to fight legal battles against harmful content.
- Financial Strain on Legacy Media: Traditional media outlets are facing financial difficulties, while social media platforms continue to grow and grow.
- The Importance of Reliable Information: Accurate information is crucial for a healthy democracy. Legacy media plays a vital role in providing credible news, while social media often spreads misinformation.
- Impact of X on Mainstream Media: A study by Julia Cagé suggests that X can influence mainstream media, potentially leading to biased or inaccurate reporting.
- A Step Towards Accountability: The Guardian’s decision to leave X could be a positive step towards restoring accountability and promoting a more responsible information ecosystem.
Twin Negligence
Context: A fire in the neonatal unit of Jhansi’s Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College on November 15, 2023, killed 10 newborns due to an electrical short-circuit and overcrowded conditions.
Relevance: GS 2 (Health )
Practice Question: Discuss the importance of fire safety in healthcare buildings and suggest key measures to prevent tragedies like the one in Jhansi. (250 words)
Neglect of Fire Safety and Healthcare
- The tragedy highlights the fatal consequences of neglecting fire safety and healthcare in government planning and budgeting.
Overcrowding in Neonatal Care
- The neonatal intensive care unit was operating at nearly three times its capacity, with 49 babies for incubators meant for 18, reflecting poor infrastructure and resource management in the healthcare system.
Healthcare System Strain
- The doctor-patient ratio in Uttar Pradesh (1:2,158) is well below the WHO standard (1:1,000), showing a severe shortage of medical professionals and contributing to poor healthcare delivery.
Hospital’s Poor Infrastructure
- The Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College has dilapidated facilities despite serving Bundelkhand, a region with limited healthcare access, indicating chronic underinvestment in public health infrastructure.
Fire Safety Failures
- Preliminary reports suggest electrical short-circuit as the cause of the fire, exacerbated by oxygen cylinders. This points to the failure to meet fire safety norms, as short-circuit-induced fires are common in Uttar Pradesh.
Chronic Underfunding of Public Health
- The allocation for healthcare in the Union Budget (2.2% in FY2022, 1.75% in FY2023) is far below the global average and significantly lower than peer countries like Brazil and South Africa, which allocate a much higher percentage of their GDP to healthcare.
Lack of Fire Services and Infrastructure
- India’s fire safety services are underdeveloped, with insufficient coverage and response capacity, contributing to the frequency of such tragedies.
Broader Indifference
- The tragedy is not just a failure of the Jhansi hospital, but a broader systemic issue involving indifference to public health and fire safety, leading to preventable deaths and infrastructure collapse.
Conclusion
A combination of overcrowded healthcare facilities, poor infrastructure, insufficient funding, and failure to enforce fire safety regulations led to the Jhansi tragedy. Steps need to be taken to ensure safety.
This time for Africa
Relevance: GS 2 (International Relations )
Practice Question: Explain the impacts of enhanced cooperation between India and Global South countries. Suggest key measures to enhance relations in the dimensions of economy and climate change. (250 words )
India’s Global South Commitment:
- Prime Minister’s Visits to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana reflect India’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Global South and developing strategic partnerships.
India-Nigeria Relations:
- Historical Friendship: India and Nigeria share a long history of cooperation, including India’s help post-Nigeria’s independence
- Economic Ties: Over 200 Indian companies have invested $27 billion in sectors like pharma, agriculture, and energy.
Key Challenges for India’s Global South Engagement:
- India’s leadership in South-South cooperation is often criticized for lack of follow-through.
- India’s VoGS (Voice of the Global South) conference had low participation and needs better engagement to make an impact.
Need for Key Forums:
- The India-Africa Forum Summit is overdue and should be held soon to revitalize relations with Africa.
- India must match its rhetoric with action, showing consistent presence and influence across developing nations.
Conclusion :
- India must take proactive steps in food, energy, and health security discussions and align its actions with the Global South’s challenges.
