Content:
- Constitutional Offices Are Not Ornamental; Every Citizen Is Supreme In A Democracy, Stresses Vice-President
- India’s Aviation Revolution
Constitutional Offices Are Not Ornamental; Every Citizen Is Supreme In A Democracy, Stresses Vice-President
The Vice-President of India, addressing the ‘Kartavyam’ event organized by Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini, emphasized the vital role of citizens in strengthening democracy. He highlighted the supremacy of Parliament, importance of dialogue, and the ethical responsibilities of both leaders and the electorate.
Relevance : GS 2(Polity ,Constitution)
Rejection of the “Ornamental Office” Notion
- VP strongly opposed the idea that constitutional offices are ceremonial or ornamental.
- Emphasized that every citizen and every constitutional functionary plays a vital role in the democratic framework.
- Such perceptions undermine the dignity and responsibility of democratic institutions.
Citizen as the Supreme Power
- Reiterated the idea that citizens are the soul and supreme force in a democracy.
- Democracy thrives when citizens are alert, engaged, and participative.
- Described each citizen as an “atom in democracy”—individually powerful, collectively transformative.
Parliament: Supreme, But Not Above Citizens
- Asserted that there is no authority visualized above Parliament in the Constitution.
- However, Parliament derives its legitimacy from the people—‘We the People’ are the true sovereign.
- Elected representatives are accountable to the people, as demonstrated in historic events like the defeat of the Emergency-imposing government in 1977.
Role of Elected Representatives
- The Constitution is a “repository of public will”, implemented through elected representatives.
- Representatives are not masters, but trustees of the Constitution and its values.
- Accountability is ensured through regular elections.
Democracy is Participatory, Not Just Governmental
- Emphasized participatory democracy that goes beyond elections and governance.
- True democracy encompasses civic culture, national ethos, and heritage preservation.
- Citizens must actively defend sovereignty, practice fraternity, and foster unity.
Government as a Facilitator, Not a Substitute
- Government provides infrastructure and policy (e.g., a football stadium), but goals must be scored by citizens.
- The onus of democratic success lies on individuals, not just institutions.
Warning Against the Decline in Discourse Quality
- The health of a democracy is reflected in the quality of its public discourse.
- Raised concerns over manipulated discourse driven by:
- Money power
- Muscle power
- Foreign interests
- Called for discernment and vigilance to preserve democratic integrity.
Freedom of Expression and Dialogue: Twin Pillars of Democracy
- Expression (Abhivyakti) and Dialogue (Samvaad) are the “core mantras” of Indian democracy.
- Throttling expression leads to democratic decay—as seen during the Emergency.
- However, arrogant or intolerant expression also harms democracy.
- Advocated for respectful disagreement and civilizational ethos of ‘Anantavad’ (multiple perspectives).
Dangers of Silence and Timidity
- Urged individuals to speak the right thing at the right time.
- Hesitation or silence in crucial moments weakens democratic fabric and hurts progressive forces.
Nations Are Built by Individuals, Not Elites
- Countered the notion that industrialists or political elites build nations.
- Reinforced that every individual carries atomic power to transform society.
- Recalled Justice H.R. Khanna’s legacy as a reminder of constitutional courage.
Role of Youth in Democratic Renewal
- Urged youth to rise above partisanship and contribute to national interests.
- Youth must champion thoughtful, informed discourse, especially during India’s rise as a global power.
- Emphasized the need for intellectual maturity, not political polarization among the youth.
Preamble as the Essence of the Constitution
- Called the Preamble the “nectar” of the Constitution.
- Highlights that all power flows from ‘We the People’, not from institutions or offices.
Conclusion: Call to Action
- Democracy is not a status, but an ongoing responsibility.
- Citizens must be informed, expressive, participative, and vigilant.
- Nation-building is a collective exercise, grounded in constitutional morality, civic virtue, and participatory ethos.
India’s Aviation Revolution
India is undergoing a transformative aviation revolution, marked by legislative reforms, infrastructure expansion, and record-breaking passenger growth. This surge is propelling the country towards becoming a global aviation hub aligned with the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision.
Relevance : GS 3(Infrastructure)
Legislative Reforms: Foundation for Sustainable Growth
- Protection of Interest in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025:
- Aligns with the Cape Town Convention for improved legal enforceability in aircraft leasing.
- Aims to cut leasing costs (previously 8–10% higher than global average) via lower risk premiums and interest rates.
- Boosts investor confidence and supports the emergence of domestic leasing hubs.
- Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024:
- Replaces colonial-era Aircraft Act, 1934; effective from 1 Jan 2025.
- Supports ‘Make in India’ and Atmanirbhar Bharat by encouraging indigenous aviation manufacturing.
- Aligns with global civil aviation norms (ICAO, Chicago Convention).
- Introduces simplified licensing, an appellate mechanism, and removes outdated regulations.
Infrastructure Expansion: Creating World-Class Aviation Facilities
- Greenfield Airport Progress:
- 12 operationalised since 2014 out of 21 approved (e.g., Kushinagar, Mopa, Rajkot).
- Key projects like Noida (Jewar) and Navi Mumbai advancing, with operations set for FY 2025–26.
- Airport Development Targets:
- 50 more airports planned in 5 years.
- 120 new destinations targeted in 10 years.
- Capital Investment:
- ₹91,000+ crore allocated under National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP).
- ₹82,600 crore already spent (till Nov 2024).
UDAN Scheme: Inclusive Regional Connectivity
- Achievements:
- 619 routes, 88 airports operationalised under UDAN.
- Over 1.5 crore passengers benefited; aim to serve 4 crore more.
- 2024 Progress:
- 102 new RCS routes, 20 in the North East.
- Increased focus on remote, hilly, and aspirational districts.
- Affordable Travel Amenities:
- Launch of UDAN Yatri Cafés at Kolkata and Chennai airports with subsidized food.
- Nationwide rollout planned due to success.
Passenger Growth: Surging Demand and Market Expansion
- Domestic Travel Boom:
- Record of 22.81 crore domestic passengers in 2024.
- Over 5 lakh passengers in a single day (17 Nov 2024).
- Growth of 5.9% (Jan–Nov 2024 YoY).
- International Traffic Growth:
- 64.5 million passengers (Jan–Nov 2024), up by 11.4%.
- India’s Global Ranking:
- Now the 3rd-largest aviation market with 350+ million passengers annually.
- Consistent 10–12% annual growth over a decade.
Safety, Technology, Seamless Travel
- DFDR & CVR Lab Inauguration:
- State-of-the-art accident investigation facility at AAIB, Delhi.
- ₹9 crore investment; supported by HAL.
- Digi Yatra Expansion:
- Deployed in 24 airports; over 4 crore journeys made via app.
- Enhances contactless, secure travel.
- Seaplane Operations Guidelines (2024):
- Bid process launched for 50+ water bodies under UDAN Round 5.5.
- Boosts connectivity to remote and tourism-heavy regions.
Sustainability and Human Capital Development
- Green Energy Adoption:
- ~80 airports on 100% green energy.
- Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad—leading in carbon-neutral and carbon-negative credentials.
- Pilot Training Pipeline:
- 30,000–34,000 new pilots needed by 2040.
- Expansion of Flight Training Organisations (FTOs) and licensing.
- Aviation Career Guidance for Students:
- Launched by the Civil Aviation Ministry to introduce school students to aviation careers.
- Aims to build a talent pipeline for long-term sectoral growth.
Supporting Ecosystem and Gender Inclusion
- Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO):
- 5% IGST on aircraft parts to incentivize domestic MRO hubs.
- Gender Representation:
- India has 13–18% women pilots—among the highest globally.
- Goal: 25% representation across aviation roles by 2025 (DGCA target).
- Air Cargo Expansion:
- Cargo handling capacity reached 8 million MT in FY24, growing over 10% annually.
- Emphasis on cold chain warehousing and customs efficiency.
Global Integration & Recognition
- International Diplomacy:
- Hosted 2nd Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation.
- Outcome: Delhi Declaration—a significant diplomatic win.
- Global Branding:
- India’s aviation diplomacy and reforms enhance its standing as a hub for global aviation cooperation and connectivity.
Conclusion: Viksit Bharat @2047 Vision
- The aviation sector exemplifies India’s development trajectory, linking physical infrastructure with aspirational growth.
- The sector is being positioned not just as a mode of transport but as a driver of economic integration, job creation, and global competitiveness.
- Through legislative agility, digital innovation, green energy, inclusive access, and global integration, India is confidently charting its course toward Viksit Bharat @2047.
