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45th GST Council Meeting

Why in News Recently, the 45th Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council meeting was held. Key Points Extension of Concessional GST Rates: The...

22 Sep 2021 Constitutional Bodies
Differentiated GST Regime

Why in News The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council is likely to consider a ministerial group’s report on introducing a differentiated regime...

09 Sep 2021 Constitutional Bodies
Grant in Aid for Rural Local Bodies

Why in News Recently, the Ministry of Finance has released an amount of Rs. 13,385.70 crore to 25 States for providing grants to the Rural Local...

03 Sep 2021 Constitutional Bodies
SVEEP: ECI

Why in News Recently, the Election Commission of India (ECI) organized a two-day SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral...

30 Aug 2021 Constitutional Bodies
Four Years of the GST

Why in News Recently, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) decided to felicitate around 54,000 taxpayers to mark the competition...

03 Jul 2021 Constitutional Bodies
Petition to Poll Results

Why in News Recently, the West Bengal Chief Minister has filed an election petition in the Calcutta High Court challenging the Assembly election...

19 Jun 2021 Constitutional Bodies
Rengma Nagas Demand Autonomous District Council

Why in News The Rengma Naga Peoples’ Council (RNPC) or Rengma Nagas have demanded an Autonomous District Council (ADC) in Assam. The...

11 Jun 2021 Constitutional Bodies
Public Service Commissions: Union and State

Introduction As per Article 312 of the Indian Constitution, the Parliament is entitled to create one or more All India services (including an All...

09 Jun 2021 Constitutional Bodies
43rd GST Council Meeting

Why in News Recently, the 43rd Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council meeting was held. This was the first meeting of the GST Council in the...

29 May 2021 Constitutional Bodies
Independent Collegium for Election Commission

Why in News Recently, a petition was filed in the Supreme Court (SC) seeking the constitution of an independent collegium to appoint members of the...

18 May 2021 Constitutional Bodies
Post Devolution Revenue Deficit

Why in News The Ministry of Finance has released the second monthly instalment of Post Devolution Revenue Deficit (PDRD) Grant of Rs. 9,871 crore...

10 May 2021 Constitutional Bodies
Media has Right to Report Court Proceeding: SC

Why in News Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) dismissed a plea by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to restrain media from reporting oral...

07 May 2021 Constitutional Bodies
Repromulgation of Ordinances

This article is based on “The ordinance route is bad, repromulgation worse” which was published in The Hindu on 20/04/2021. It talks...

20 Apr 2021 Constitutional Bodies
Is the Election Commission of India Free?

This article is based on “The Election Commission of India cannot be a super-government” which was published in The Hindu on...

19 Apr 2021 Constitutional Bodies
Online Grievance Management Portal: NCSC

Why in News The Government launched the “Online Grievance Management Portal of National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)” on the...

15 Apr 2021 Constitutional Bodies
Chief Election Commissioner

Why in News Recently, the President appointed Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra as the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). He replaces Sunil...

13 Apr 2021 Constitutional Bodies
Star Campaigners and Model Code of Conduct

Why in News Recently, the Election Commission of India (ECI) delisted Ex-Telecom Minister A. Raja from the list of star campaigners. He has also...

02 Apr 2021 Constitutional Bodies
National Commission for Scheduled Castes

Why in News Recently, Vijay Sampla has been appointed as the chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC). Key...

25 Feb 2021 Constitutional Bodies
Economic Impact of Judicial Decisions

Why in News Recently, the NITI Aayog has asked research organisation ‘Consumer Unity and Trust Society (CUTS) International’ to conduct...

08 Feb 2021 Constitutional Bodies
15th Finance Commission Recommendations: Fiscal Consolidation

Why in News Recently, the 15th Finance Commission’s Report was tabled in the Parliament. It provided range for the fiscal deficit and debt...

03 Feb 2021 Constitutional Bodies

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		'article_id' => (int) 9891,
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		'title' => '45th GST Council Meeting',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>45<sup>th</sup> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gst-council-meet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council</a></strong> meeting was held.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1632291028_image6.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1632291028_image6.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Extension of Concessional GST Rates:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Council decided to <strong>extend the GST relief on several drugs related to Covid-19 treatment</strong> till December 2021.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Food Delivery Apps to Collect GST:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Online food delivery aggregator firms such as Swiggy and Zomato <strong>will now be liable to pay GST</strong> and not the restaurant partners. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Currently, online bills generated by food aggregators <strong>already have a tax component in it.</strong></li>
<li>The taxed amount is <strong>paid back to the restaurant partners who are then expected to pay</strong> this amount to the government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Petrol and Diesel will not come under GST Regime:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The council has decided not to bring petrol and diesel under the GST regime. <strong>States</strong> vehemently <strong>opposed the inclusion</strong> of the fuels while raising concerns on revenue buoyancy during the meet.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>If petrol and diesel come under the GST regime, <strong>prices will become mostly uniform across all states</strong> as the different excise and VAT rates that the Centre and the states impose would then be done away with.</li>
<li>This would <strong>help bring down diesel and petrol prices greatly</strong>, which has touched new highs in the recent past.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>GST on Fortified Rice Reduced:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The GST rate on<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/adverse-impacts-of-food-fortification" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> fortified rice</a> kernels</strong> for schemes like <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/malnutrition-in-india-1#:~:text=Integrated%20Child%20Development%20Services%20(ICDS,of%20Women%20and%20Child%20Development." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>integrated child development schemes</strong></a> has been recommended to be reduced from 18% to 5%.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>GoM to Look After Rate Rationalisation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>A Group of state ministers (GoM)</strong> will be established to look after the <strong>rate rationalisation</strong> related issues to correct the <strong>inverted duty</strong> structure and to take steps to augment revenues. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>An inverted duty structure arises when <strong>the taxes on output or final product is lower than the taxes on inputs</strong>, creating an inverse accumulation of input tax credit which in <strong>most cases has to be refunded.</strong></li>
<li>Inverted duty structure <strong>has implied a stream of revenue outflow for the government</strong> prompting the government to relook the duty structure.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Other GoMs will be set up in order to look after issues of e-way bills, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fastag-and-right-to-freedom-of-movement" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>FASTAGs</strong></a>, compliances, technology, plugging of loopholes, composition schemes etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>GST Council</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>constitutional body (Article 279A)</strong> for making recommendations to the Union and State Government on issues related to Goods and Services Tax.</li>
<li>The <strong>GST Council</strong> is chaired by the <strong>Union Finance Minister</strong> and other members are the Union State Minister of Revenue or Finance and Ministers in-charge of Finance or Taxation of all the States.</li>
<li>It is considered as a <strong>federal body</strong> where both the centre and the states get due representation.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/business/gst-council-meet-top-announcements-nirmala-sitharaman-7515983/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 9685,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Differentiated GST Regime',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/43rd-gst-council-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council</strong> </a>is likely to consider a <strong>ministerial group&rsquo;s report</strong> on introducing a <strong>differentiated regime for sectors</strong> where tax evasion is very high.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Tax Evasion is an<strong> illegal way to minimize tax liability through fraudulent techniques</strong> like deliberate under-statement of taxable income or inflating expenses. It is an <strong>unlawful attempt to reduce one's tax burden.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>GST Council</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>constitutional body (Article 279A)</strong> for making recommendations to the Union and State Government on issues related to <strong>Goods and Services Tax.</strong></li>
<li>The GST Council is<strong> chaired by the Union Finance Minister</strong> and other members are the Union State Minister of Revenue or Finance and Ministers in-charge of Finance or Taxation of all the States.</li>
<li>It is<strong> considered as a federal body</strong> where both the centre and the states get due representation.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The GST council had earlier constituted a <strong>Group of Ministers (GoM)</strong> to consider demands of some States to tax the <strong>sectors with high tax evasion based on production capacity</strong> rather than output (i.e. Special Composition schemes)
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Capacity based tax is based on <strong>manufacturing capacity rather than production.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Some examples of sectors with high tax evasion include <strong>brick kilns, sand mining, and gutkha</strong> and <strong>pan masala production.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For instance, <strong>Rs. 830 crore of evasion was detected</strong> at a single pan masala unit earlier in 2021.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Capacity based tax <strong>goes against the very structure of GST</strong> as one of the objectives was to <strong>ensure buoyancy in revenues with increase in sales volumes.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It could also open the <strong>floodgates for such demands from other sectors, </strong>like<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-textile-sector" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> textiles</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In terms of<strong> implementation also</strong> it will not be easy and it may <strong>not even yield the desired result of curbing evasion,</strong> the main reason for which is extremely high tax rates.</li>
<li>Such a shift would be<strong> detrimental to the fundamental idea of GST</strong> and send out the wrong signal to honest taxpayers. It would introduce <strong>added complexity in the GST structure.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p>As the <strong>past composition schemes have not been effective in checking evasion,</strong> leading to rampant litigation over production capacity disputes between Revenue authorities and producers, the government should check GST evasion using <strong>better data analytics and introducing innovative, stringent legal provisions</strong> to deter tax avoidance.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/council-to-mull-output-based-gst-on-sectors-seeing-evasion/article36325389.ece?utm_source=business&amp;utm_medium=sticky_footer" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 9593,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Grant in Aid for Rural Local Bodies',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Ministry of Finance</strong> has released an amount of Rs. 13,385.70 crore to 25 States for providing grants to the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/panchayati-raj-institution-pri" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rural Local Bodies.</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This <strong>Grant-in-aid</strong> is the<strong> 1<sup>st</sup> installment of Tied grants</strong> of the year 2021-22.</li>
<li>The grants have been released as per the recommendations of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/panchayati-raj-institution-pri" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>15<sup>th</sup> Finance Commission.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Finance Commission (FC) Grants:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/budget-2021-highlights-health-and-wellbeing" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Union Budget</strong></a> provides <strong>funds to local bodies, state disaster relief funds</strong> and<strong> compensates any revenue loss</strong> to states after devolution of taxes on the recommendation of FC.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/panchayati-raj-institution-pri" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>73<sup>rd</sup> Constitutional Amendment</strong></a>, 1992 requires both the Centre and states to help Panchayati Raj institutions to evolve as a<strong> unit of self-governance</strong> by assigning them funds, functions and functionaries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The 15<sup>th</sup> FC has recommended<strong> over 1 lakh 42 thousand crore rupees</strong> tied to Panchayats for water &amp; sanitation during the period 2021-22 to 2025-26.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Tied vs United Grant:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Out of the total Grant-in-aid allocated for Panchayati Raj institutions, <strong>60% is &lsquo;Tied Grant&rsquo;.</strong> Tied grants are meant to ensure availability of additional funds to the Rural local bodies over and above the funds allocated by the Centre for <strong>improving the sanitation and maintenance of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/open-defecation-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Open-Defecation Free (ODF) status</a></strong> and <strong>supply of drinking water, rain water harvesting and water recycling</strong> under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/reforming-centrally-sponsored-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Centrally Sponsored Schemes.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Remaining 40% is &lsquo;Untied Grant&rsquo;</strong> and is to be utilized at the discretion of the Panchayati Raj institutions for location specific needs, except for payment of salaries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Allocation of Resources:</strong> The<strong> States are required to transfer the grants to the Rural local bodies within 10 working days</strong> of their receipt from the Union Government. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Any delay</strong> beyond 10 working days<strong> requires the State Governments to release the grants with interest.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Finance Commission (FC)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/j-k-and-15th-finance-commission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> FC</strong></a> is a <strong>constitutional body</strong> that <strong>determines the formula for distributing the tax proceeds between the Centre and states,</strong> and among the states as per the constitutional arrangement and present requirements.</li>
<li>Under <strong>Article 280</strong> of the Constitution, the<strong> President of India</strong> is required to constitute a FC <strong>at an interval of five years</strong> or earlier.</li>
<li>The <strong>15<sup>th</sup> FC</strong> was constituted in November 2017, under the chairmanship of<strong> NK Singh.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Its recommendations will cover a period of five years from the year 2021-22 to 2025-26.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Division of FC Grants</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Grants for Rural Local Bodies:</strong> The three-tier model of governance envisioned in the Constitution assigns clear roles and responsibilities to Gram Panchayats. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The FC recommendations ensure that these local bodies are adequately funded.</li>
<li>In fact, nearly half of the FC Grants in the Union Budget goes to village local bodies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Grants for Urban Local Bodies:</strong> In addition to units of self-governance at the village level, the Constitution also envisages cities as units of self-governance. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Urban local bodies like municipal councils receive the largest chunk of FC Grants after Rural Local Bodies and Post Devolution Deficit Grants to states.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Assistance to SDRF:</strong> The central government also provides funds to State Disaster Relief Funds in addition to funding the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-disaster-management-authority-ndma-" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The assistance to the state government&rsquo;s disaster relief authorities is provided as per the recommendations of the FC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Post Devolution Revenue Deficit Grants:</strong> About a third of the total revenue collected by the Centre is directly transferred to states as their share in the divisible pool. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, the FC also provides a mechanism for compensation of any loss incurred by states, which is called post-devolution revenue deficit grants.</li>
<li>This grant forms the second largest chunk of FC transfers after the assistance to local rural bodies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In addition to the four main transfers under the FC Grants, the Centre also transfers a considerable sum to states and vulnerable groups from its own resources.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Central pool of resources for north-eastern region and Sikkim</li>
<li>Externally aided project grants</li>
<li>Externally aided project loans</li>
<li>Schemes for north-east council</li>
<li>Schemes under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/post-devolution-revenue-deficit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Article 275 (1)</strong> </a>of the Constitution</li>
<li>Special central assistance to scheduled castes and special central assistance to tribal areas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1750681" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 9519,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'SVEEP: ECI',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/election-commission-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Election Commission of India</strong> </a>(ECI) organized a two-day<strong> SVEEP (Systematic Voters&rsquo; Education and Electoral Participation)</strong> Consultation Workshop.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>SVEEP:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Started<strong> in 2009,</strong> as the <strong>flagship program of the ECI for voter education. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Primary goal</strong> is to build an inclusive &amp; participative democracy by encouraging all eligible citizens to vote and make an informed decision &amp; ethical choice.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Related Initiatives Taken:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>NOTA (None of the Above) Option:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>By choosing NOTA, voters have the right to not to choose any nominated candidate.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/electronic-voting-machine-and-voter-verifiable-paper-audit-trail" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail</a>:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is an independent verification printer machine and is attached to electronic voting machines. It allows voters to verify if their vote has gone to the intended candidate.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/10th-national-voters-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Voters&rsquo; Day</a>:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It has been celebrated on <strong>25<sup>th</sup> January</strong> every year since 2011 to mark the formation of ECI.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/supreme-court-on-criminalisation-of-politics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Decriminalization of Elections</a>:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>ECI and the Court have ensured together that the candidates declare their criminal record and any cases, pending or not.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>cVIGIL App:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This app provides time-stamped, evidence-based proof of the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/model-code-of-conduct-ec" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model Code of Conduct</a></strong>/Expenditure Violation, having live photo/video with auto location data.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Election Commission of India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>An <strong>autonomous constitutional authority</strong> responsible for administering Union and State election processes in India.</li>
<li>Administers <strong>elections to the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha</a>, and <a href="/tags/state-legislature" target="_blank" rel="noopener">State Legislative Assemblies</a></strong> and the offices of the <strong>President </strong>and<strong> Vice President.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Part XV of the Indian constitution</strong> deals with elections, and establishes a commission for these matters.</li>
<li><strong>Article 324 to 329 of the constitution</strong> deals with powers, function, tenure, eligibility, etc of the commission and the members.</li>
<li>Originally, it had only one election commissioner but <strong>after the Election Commissioner Amendment Act 1989,</strong> it has been made<strong> a multi-member body.</strong></li>
<li>Presently, it consists of one Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commissioners (ECs) -<strong> appointed by the President.</strong></li>
<li>They hold office for<strong> a term of 6 years or until they attain the age of 65 years,</strong> whichever is earlier.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1749369" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 8766,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Four Years of the GST',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)</strong> decided to felicitate around 54,000 taxpayers to mark the competition of 4 years of <strong>Goods and Services Tax (GST).</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Achievements of GST:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Automated Indirect Tax Ecosystem:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<strong> introduction of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/e-way-bills-during-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener">e-way bills</a> coupled with the crackdown on fake invoicing</strong> has helped in bringing in a substantial portion of GST revenues, which were either being evaded or under-reported.</li>
<li>E-invoicing system <strong>would also usher the taxpayers into a fully automated compliance regime</strong> wherein the computation of tax liabilities and matching of input tax credit would become very simple.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Simplification of Compliance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Various initiatives viz. <strong>linking the customs portal with GST portal</strong> for credit availability on imports, making available proper means for matching input tax credit, increased automation of the refund procedure to seamless operation of the Invoice Registry Portal, helped simplify tax compliance.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Functioning of GST Council:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The GST Council made corrections to law, issued clarifications on complex issues, rationalized GST rates and introduced relaxations for dealing with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a>, which establishes that the GST Council structure has been very functional and agile.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Example to the World:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India has served as an example to the world by<strong> successfully implementing one of the most complex tax transformation projects</strong> for the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenges:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Fiscal Federalism:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This issue <strong>became controversial when GST collections fell because of the pandemic.</strong></li>
<li>Because <strong>GST entailed a bigger surrender of taxation powers for the states &ndash;</strong> states do not levy direct taxes or customs duties &ndash; <strong>a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gst-compensation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">guaranteed revenue growth of 14%</a> for a period of five years was offered</strong> to them by the centre to get them to agree.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues Highlighted by the 15<sup>th</sup> Finance Commission:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/15th-finance-commission-recommendations-resource-allocation" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>15<sup>th</sup> Finance Commission</strong></a> has highlighted several areas of concern in the GST regime relating to <strong>multiplicity of tax rates, shortfall in GST collections vis-&agrave;-vis the forecast, high volatility in GST collections,</strong> inconsistency in filing of returns, dependence of States on the compensation from Centre and so on.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Large Businesses vs Small Businesses:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The fundamental principles on which the GST law was built viz. seamless flow of input credits and ease of compliance <strong>has been impaired by IT glitches.</strong></li>
<li>Indirect taxes, unlike direct taxes such as income tax, <strong>do not differentiate between the rich and the poor</strong> and therefore put a bigger burden on the latter.</li>
<li>Further, <strong>small and medium businesses are still grappling to adapt to the tech-enabled regime.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Suggestions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>With<strong> oil prices sky-rocketing across the country,</strong> the policymakers <strong>need to contemplate the inclusion of petroleum and related products within the GST</strong> net.</li>
<li>It is vital to finally<strong> constitute the GST Appellate Tribunal</strong> as it is obvious that all taxpayers do not have the finances or means to approach the High Court for every practical difficulty faced.</li>
<li><strong>Streamlining of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gst-council-and-national-anti-profiteering-authority" target="_blank" rel="noopener">anti-profiteering measures</a> and simplification of compliance procedures</strong> also needs to be revisited to ensure that the cost efficiency and reduction in prices envisaged under GST law finally reaches the common man.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Goods And Services Tax</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The GST is<strong> a value-added tax levied on most goods and services sold for domestic consumption.</strong></li>
<li>The GST is <strong>paid by consumers,</strong> but it is<strong> remitted to the government by the businesses selling the goods and services.</strong></li>
<li>GST, which <strong>subsumed almost all domestic indirect taxes</strong> (petroleum, alcoholic beverages and stamp duty are the major exceptions) under one head, is perhaps the biggest tax reform in the history of independent India. It was launched into operation on the midnight of 1<sup>st</sup> July 2017.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Features of GST:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Applicable on Supply Side:</strong> GST is applicable on<strong> &lsquo;supply&rsquo;</strong> of goods or services as against the old concept on the manufacture of goods or on sale of goods or on provision of services.</li>
<li><strong>Destination based Taxation:</strong> GST is based on the principle of destination-based consumption taxation as against the principle of origin-based taxation.</li>
<li><strong>Dual GST:</strong> It is a dual GST with the Centre and the States simultaneously levying tax on a common base. The GST to be levied by the Centre is called <strong>Central GST (CGST)</strong> and that to be levied by the States is called<strong> State GST (SGST).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Import of goods or services would be treated as inter-state supplies and would be subject to <strong>Integrated Goods &amp; Services Tax (IGST)</strong> in addition to the applicable customs duties.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>GST rates to be mutually decided:</strong> CGST, SGST &amp; IGST are levied at rates to be mutually agreed upon by the Centre and the States. The rates are notified on the recommendation of the <strong>GST Council.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Multiple Rates:</strong> GST is levied at four rates viz. <strong>5%, 12%, 18% and 28%.</strong> The schedule or list of items that would fall under these multiple slabs are worked out by the GST council.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This is aside from the tax on gold that is kept at 3% and rough precious and semi-precious stones that are placed at a special rate of 0.25% under GST.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>GST Council:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is <strong>a constitutional body (Article 279A)</strong> for making recommendations to the Union and State Government on issues related to GST.</li>
<li>The GST Council is <strong>chaired by the Union Finance Minister</strong> and other members are the Union State Minister of Revenue or Finance and Ministers in-charge of Finance or Taxation of all the States.</li>
<li>It is <strong>considered as a federal body</strong> where both the centre and the states get due representation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reforms brought about by GST:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Creation of a common national market:</strong> By amalgamating a large number of Central and State taxes into a single tax.</li>
<li><strong>Mitigation of cascading effect:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The GST that a merchant pays to procure goods or services (i.e. on inputs) can be set off later against the tax applicable on supply of final goods and services. The set off tax is called <strong>input tax credit.</strong></li>
<li>The GST thus avoids cascading effect or tax on tax which increases the tax burden on the end consumer.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reduction in Tax burden:</strong> From the consumers&rsquo; point of view, the biggest advantage is in terms of reduction in the overall tax burden on goods.</li>
<li><strong>Making Indian products more competitive:</strong> Introduction of GST is making Indian products more competitive in the domestic and international markets owing to the full neutralization of input taxes across the value chain of production.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The law is <strong>still a &lsquo;work-in-progress&rsquo;</strong> and the process of evolution, in such a complex journey, cannot be eliminated. The Government should <strong>continue to take measures to deliver on its promise of a &lsquo;Good &amp; Simple Tax&rsquo;</strong> in the times to come.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1731542" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 5 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8644,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Petition to Poll Results',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the West Bengal Chief Minister has filed <strong>an election petition</strong> in the Calcutta High Court challenging the <strong>Assembly election result</strong> of Nandigram constituency.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Election Petition:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/election-commission-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Election Commission</a>&rsquo;s role ends with the declaration of results</strong>, after that, an <strong>election petition is the only legal remedy</strong> available to a voter or a candidate who believes there has been malpractice in an election.</li>
<li>Such a person <strong>can challenge the result through an election petition submitted to the High Court</strong> of the state in which the constituency is located.</li>
<li>Such a petition <strong>has to be filed within 45 days from the date of the poll results;</strong> nothing is entertained by courts after that.</li>
<li>Although the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/the-representation-of-the-people-act-part-ii" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Representative of the People Act (RP Act) of 1951</strong></a> suggests that the High Court should try to conclude the trial within six months, it usually drags on for much longer, even years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Grounds on which Election Petition be Filed (Section 100 of the RP Act):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>On the day of the election, the <strong>winning candidate was not qualified</strong> to contest.</li>
<li>The winning candidate, his poll agent or any other person with the consent of the <strong>winning candidate has indulged in a corrupt practice.</strong></li>
<li>Improper acceptance of the nomination of the winning candidate or <strong>improper rejection</strong> of a nomination.</li>
<li><strong>Malpractice in the counting process</strong>, which includes improper reception, refusal or rejection of any vote, or the reception of any vote which is void.</li>
<li><strong>Non-compliance with the provisions of the Constitution or the RP Act</strong> or any rules or orders made under the RP Act.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>If Verdict is in favour of the Petitioner (Section 84 of the RP Act):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The petitioner may ask that the <strong>results of all or the winning candidates may be declared void.</strong></li>
<li>In addition to that, the <strong>petitioner may also ask the court to declare her</strong> (in case the petition is filed by a candidate) or any other candidate as the winner or duly elected.</li>
<li>So the verdict on an election petition, if found in favour of the petitioner, <strong>may result in a fresh election or the court announcing a new winner.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>History of Election Results Declared Void:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The most famous being the <strong>Allahabad High Court verdict of 1975</strong> which set aside <strong>Indira Gandhi&rsquo;s election</strong> from Rae Bareli constituency, four years earlier, on grounds of corrupt practice.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Provisions under RP Act 1951</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It <strong>regulates the actual conduct</strong> of elections and by-elections.</li>
<li>It provides <strong>administrative machinery</strong> for conducting elections.</li>
<li>It deals with the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/registered-unrecognised-political-parties-increased-adr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">registration of political parties</a>.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Section 123 of the RP Act</strong> has a detailed list of what amounts to corrupt practice, including <strong>bribery, use of force or coercion, appeal to vote or refrain from voting</strong> on grounds of religion, race, community, and language.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It<strong> specifies the qualifications and disqualifications</strong> for membership of the Houses.</li>
<li>It provides <strong>provisions to curb corrupt practices</strong> and other offences.</li>
<li>It lays down the <strong>procedure for settling doubts and disputes</strong> arising out of elections.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/assembly-election-result-challenged-calcutta-hc-nandigram-constituency-7365499/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 6 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8581,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Rengma Nagas Demand Autonomous District Council',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Rengma Naga Peoples&rsquo; Council (RNPC) or <strong>Rengma Nagas</strong> have <strong>demanded an <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/autonomous-district-councils" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Autonomous District Council (ADC)</a></strong> in <strong>Assam.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Central and the State governments recently upgraded the <strong>Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC)</strong> and the <strong>North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC)</strong> to territorial councils like the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/new-bodo-accord" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bodoland Territorial Council</a>.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>'status of territorial council'</strong> will provide <strong>more autonomy and financial grant</strong> to them.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is alleged that the creation of these tribal councils deprived the Rengma Nagas, the &ldquo;legitimate owners&rdquo;, of the land. Both the <strong>KAAC</strong> and the <strong>NCHAC share boundaries with Nagaland.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1623400344_pasted%20image 0 (4).png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1623400344_pasted image 0 (4).png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="450" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Rengma Naga Tribe:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Found in:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Rengma is <strong>a Naga tribe</strong> found in <strong>Nagaland, Assam</strong> and <strong>Arunachal Pradesh.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>History:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>first official recording of the Rengma Nagas staying in Assam&rsquo;s Karbi Hills (then known as Mikir Hills)</strong> was made in 1855 by Major John Butler, a British officer posted in the Northeastern region.</li>
<li>Butler recorded that the <strong>Rengmas in Karbi Anglong had migrated there from the Naga Hills in the early part of the 18<sup>th</sup> century</strong>, abandoned many of their tribal customs and married within the local communities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Festival:</strong> The harvest festival of the Rengmas is called <strong>Ngada.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Autonomous District Council (ADC):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/sixth-schedule-areas" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sixth Schedule</strong> </a>of the Constitution deals with the administration of the <a href="/summary-of-important-reports/xaxa-committee-on-tribal-communities-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>tribal areas</strong> </a>in the four northeastern states of <strong>Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The special provision is <strong>provided under Article 244 (2) and Article 275</strong> of the Constitution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The tribals have been given freedom to exercise legislative and executive powers through an <strong>autonomous regional council and ADCs.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Composition of Autonomous Councils:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Each autonomous district and regional council <strong>consists of not more than 30 members</strong>, of which four are nominated by the governor and the rest via elections. All of them <strong>remain in power for a term of five years.</strong></li>
<li>However, the <strong>Bodoland Territorial Council is an exception </strong>as it can<strong> constitute up to 46 members.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Governor&rsquo;s Control:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Despite various degrees of autonomy, the 6<sup>th</sup> Schedule area <strong>does not fall outside the executive authority of the state concerned.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>governor is empowered to organise and re-organise</strong> the autonomous districts.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Applicability of Central and State Laws:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Acts passed by Parliament </strong>and <strong>state legislatures</strong> may or may not be levied in these regions unless the <strong>President and the governor gives her or his approval</strong>, with or without modifications in the laws for the autonomous regions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Civil and Criminal Judicial Powers:</strong> The Councils have also been endowed with wide civil and criminal judicial powers, for example <strong>establishing village courts </strong>etc. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, the jurisdiction of these councils is subject to the jurisdiction of the concerned High Court.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Existing Autonomous Councils:</strong> The sixth schedule to the Constitution includes <strong>10 autonomous district councils in 4 states.</strong> These are:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Assam:</strong> Bodoland Territorial Council, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council and North Cachar Hills/Dima Hasao Autonomous Council.</li>
<li><strong>Meghalaya:</strong> Garo Hills Autonomous District Council, Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council and Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council.</li>
<li><strong>Tripura:</strong> Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council.</li>
<li><strong>Mizoram:</strong> Chakma Autonomous District Council, Lai Autonomous District Council, Mara Autonomous District Council.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Arguments of Rengma Naga Peoples&rsquo; Council (RNPC):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Rengmas</strong> were the <strong>first tribal people in Assam to have encountered the British in 1839.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>But the existing <strong>Rengma Hills was eliminated from the political map of the State and replaced with that of Mikir Hills (now Karbi Anglong) in 1951.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Rengmas gave shelter to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/founder-of-ahom-kingdom-chaolung-sukapha" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ahom</strong></a> refugees during the Burmese invasions of Assam in 1816 and 1819.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Ahom are an ethnic group from the Indian states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>Rengma Hills and Mikir Hills</strong> were <strong>two separate entities until 1951. </strong>The <strong>Rengma Hills was partitioned in 1963 between Assam and Nagaland.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Karbis have no history in the Rengma Hills.</li>
<li>At the time of creation of Nagaland State, the <strong>Karbis were known as Mikirs till 1976.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>They were the <strong>indigeneous tribal people of Mikir Hills.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC)</strong> population is around 12 lakh and the Karbis constitute only 3 lakh, the remaining are non-Karbis, including the Rengma Nagas, whose population is around 22,000.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>NSCN (I-M) Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/non-state-actors-in-nagaland" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Socialist Council of Nagaland or NSCN (Isak-Muivah)</strong> </a>has said that the Rengma issue was one of the important agendas of the &ldquo;<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/issue-of-naga-insurgency" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Naga political talks</strong></a>&rdquo; and no authority should go far enough to override their interests.</li>
<li>NSCN (IM) had signed a Naga Peace Accord with the Government of India in August 2015, but the final accord is yet to be finalised.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>One of the most contentious demands of the NSCN (IM) was the<strong> creation of a unified Naga homeland, called &lsquo;Greater Nagalim&rsquo;</strong> by integrating the Naga-inhabited areas of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal with Nagaland.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/rengma-nagas-demand-autonomous-district-council/article34763177.ece/amp/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 7 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8563,
		'category_id' => (int) 63,
		'title' => 'Public Service Commissions: Union and State',
		'description' => '<h3>Introduction</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>As per <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/chief-secretary-transfer-issue#:~:text=Constitutional%20Provisions%3A%20Accordingly%2C%20a%20provision,to%20the%20Union%20and%20State.&amp;text=After%20the%20promulgation%20of%20the,Service%2C%20was%20created%20in%201966." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Article 312</strong></a> of the Indian Constitution, the <strong>Parliament is entitled to create one or more All India services</strong> (including an <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-accessible-and-affordable-judicial-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>All India Judicial Service</strong></a>) common to the Union and the States. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The recruitment to all these services is made by the <strong>Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).</strong></li>
<li>For administrative services at the state level, the recruitment is made by the <strong>State Public Service Commission (SPSC).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is the <strong>central recruiting agency</strong> in India. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is an <strong>independent constitutional body.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The provisions regarding the composition of UPSC, appointment and removal of its members and the powers and functions of UPSC are provided in <strong>Part XIV</strong> of the Indian Constitution under<strong> Article 315 to Article 323.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Parallel to the UPSC at the Centre, there is a <strong>State Public Service Commission (SPSC)</strong> in the state.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The provisions regarding the composition of SPSC, appointment and removal of its members and the powers and functions of SPSC are provided in Part XIV of the Indian Constitution under<strong> Article 315 to Article 323.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Constitutional Provisions</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Article 315:</strong> Constitution of Public Service Commissions (PSC) for the Union and for the States of India.</li>
<li><strong>Article 316:</strong> Appointment and term of office of members of UPSC as well as SPSC.</li>
<li><strong>Article 317:</strong> Removal and suspension of a member of both the UPSC or SPSC.</li>
<li><strong>Article 318:</strong> Power to make regulations for the conditions of service of members and staff of the Commission.</li>
<li><strong>Article 319:</strong> Prohibition of holding the office by members of Commission upon ceasing to be such members.</li>
<li><strong>Article 320:</strong> States the functions of Public Service Commissions.</li>
<li><strong>Article 322:</strong> Expenses of Public Service Commissions.</li>
<li><strong>Article 323:</strong> Reports of Public Service Commissions.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Union Public Service Commission</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Appointment of Members:</strong> The Chairman and other members of the UPSC are appointed by the<strong> President of India. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Term of Office:</strong> Any member of the UPSC shall hold office for a<strong> term of six years</strong> or till the age of <strong>65 years,</strong> whichever is earlier.</li>
<li><strong>Reappointment:</strong> Any person who has once held the office as a member of a Public Service Commission is <strong>ineligible for reappointment to that office.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Resignation:</strong> A member of the Union Public Service Commission may resign from his/her office by submitting the written resignation to the <strong>President of India. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Removal/Suspension of Members:</strong> The Chairman or any other member of UPSC shall <strong>only be removed from his/her office by order of the President of India.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The President can suspend the Chairman or any other member from his/her office in respect of whom a reference has been made to the Supreme Court.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Conditions for Removal:</strong> The Chairman or any other member of UPSC may be removed if he/she:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>is adjudged an insolvent.</li>
<li>engages during his/her term of office in any paid employment outside the duties of his/her office.</li>
<li>is, in the opinion of the President, unfit to continue in office by reason of infirmity of mind or body.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Regulating the Conditions of Service:</strong> In the case of the UPSC, the President of India shall:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Determine the number of members of the Commission and their conditions of service.</li>
<li>Make provisions with respect to the number of members of the staff of the Commission and their conditions of service.</li>
<li><strong>Restriction of Power:</strong> The conditions of service of a member of UPSC <strong>shall not be amended after his/her appointment</strong> that may lead to his/her disadvantage.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Expenses of UPSC:</strong> The expenses of the UPSC including salaries, allowances and pensions of the members or staff of the Commission are charged on the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/the-appropriation-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Consolidated Fund of India.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Submission of Reports:</strong> The UPSC shall<strong> present an annual report to the President</strong> of India containing the work done by the Commission. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The President shall provide a memorandum explaining the cases where the advice of the Commission was not accepted. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The reasons for such non-acceptance are presented before<strong> each House of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/parliament-sessions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Parliament</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>State Public Service Commission</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Appointment of Members:</strong> The Chairman and other members of the SPSC are appointed by the <strong><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/governor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Governor of the State</a>. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Term of Office:</strong> A member of the SPSC shall hold office for a term of<strong> six years</strong> or till the age of<strong> 62 years,</strong> whichever is earlier:</li>
<li><strong>Reappointment:</strong> Any person who has once held the office as a member of a Public Service Commission is <strong>ineligible for reappointment to that office.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Resignation:</strong> A member of a State Public Service Commission may resign from his/her office by submitting the written resignation to the <strong>Governor of the State. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Removal/Suspension of Members:</strong> The Chairman or any other member of SPSC shall <strong>only be removed from his/her office by order of the President of India.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Governor of the state shall suspend the Chairman or any other member from his/her office in respect of whom a reference has been made to the Supreme Court.</li>
<li>The conditions for removal of members are the same as those of the UPSC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Regulating the Conditions of Service:</strong> In the case of the SPSC, the Governor of the State performs the same duties that are performed by the President of India in case of UPSC.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Restriction of Power:</strong> The conditions of service of a member of SPSC <strong>shall not be amended after his/her appointment</strong> that may lead to his/her disadvantage.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Expenses of SPSC:</strong> The expenses of the SPSC are charged on the <strong>Consolidated Fund of the State.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Submission of Reports:</strong> The SPSC shall present the annual report of its work to the&nbsp;<strong>Governor of the State.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Governor shall also provide a memorandum explaining the cases where the advice of the Commission was not accepted. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The reasons for non-acceptance are presented <strong>before the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/legislative-council-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Legislature of the State.</a></strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Eligible Appointments After End of Term of Service</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Chairman (UPSC):</strong> The Chairman of the UPSC shall be <strong>ineligible for any further employment</strong> either under the Government of India or under the Government of a State.</li>
<li><strong>Chairman (SPSC):</strong> The Chairman of a SPSC shall be <strong>eligible for appointment as the Chairman or any other member</strong> of the UPSC or SPSC, but not for any other employment either under the Government of India or under the Government of a State.</li>
<li><strong>Other Members (UPSC):</strong> A member of UPSC (other than the Chairman) shall be <strong>eligible for appointment as the Chairman of UPSC or a SPSC</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>He/She is not eligible for any other employment either under the Government of India or under the Government of a State.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Members (SPSC):</strong> A member of the SPSC (other than the Chairman) shall be <strong>eligible for appointment as the Chairman or any other member of the UPSC or the SPSC.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>He/She is not eligible for any other employment either under the Government of India or under the Government of a State.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Functions of UPSC and SPSC</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Conducting Exams:</strong> It shall be the duty of the Union and the State Public Service Commissions to conduct examinations for appointments to the services of the Union and the services of the State respectively.</li>
<li><strong>Assistance to SPSC:</strong> It shall be the duty of the UPSC to assist the States upon their request in framing and operating schemes of joint recruitment for any services for which candidates possessing special qualifications are required.</li>
<li><strong>Consultations with the PSCs:</strong> The UPSC and SPSC shall be consulted: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>On all matters relating to methods of recruitment to civil services and for civil posts.</li>
<li>In making appointments to civil services and posts and in promotions and transfers from one service to another depending upon the suitability of candidates.</li>
<li>On all disciplinary matters affecting a person serving under the Government of India or the Government of a State.</li>
<li>It shall be the duty of a Public Service Commission to advise on any matter referred to them by the President of India or the Governor of the State.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Joint State Commission</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Constitution:</strong> As per Article 315 of the Indian Constitution, two or more States may agree that there shall be one Public Service Commission for that group of States. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The resolution to such an agreement shall be<strong> passed by each House of the Legislature of each of the States.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Only then, the <strong>Parliament may by law provide for the appointment </strong>of a <strong>Joint State Public Service Commission (JSPSC).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Appointment of Officers:</strong> The Article 316 of the Indian Constitution states that the <strong>Chairman and other members of JSPSC shall be appointed by the President of India.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A member of Joint Commission shall hold the office for a term of<strong> six years</strong> or till the age of <strong>62 years,</strong> whichever is earlier</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Resignation:</strong> Under Article 317, a member of a JSPSC may <strong>submit a written resignation to the President</strong> of India to resign his/her office. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>President is empowered to suspend</strong> the Chairman or any other member of the Commission from his/her office after a reference about the same has been made to the Supreme Court.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Powers:</strong> As per the Article 318 the President of India is empowered to:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Determine the number of members of the Commission and their conditions of service</li>
<li>Make provision with respect to the number of members and their conditions of service:</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reports:</strong> As per Article 323, it shall be the duty of the JSPSC to<strong> present the annual report to the Governor of each of the States</strong> which have together formed the Commission. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Governor of each of the states is responsible for providing a memorandum explaining the cases the advice of the Commission was not accepted</li>
<li>The reasons for nonacceptance are laid before the <strong>Legislature of each of the States.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
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	(int) 8 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8483,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => '43rd GST Council Meeting',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the 43<sup>rd</sup> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gst-council-meet" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council</strong></a> meeting was held.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This was the <strong>first meeting of the GST Council in the financial year 2021-22.</strong> The council&rsquo;s last meeting was held in October 2020.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>GST Council</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>constitutional body (Article 279A)</strong> for making recommendations to the Union and State Government on issues related to <strong>Goods and Services Tax.</strong></li>
<li>The GST Council is <strong>chaired by the Union Finance Minister</strong> and other members are the Union State Minister of Revenue or Finance and Ministers in-charge of Finance or Taxation of all the States.</li>
<li>It is considered as a <strong>federal body where both the centre and the states get due representation.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Ad Hoc Exemptions for Covid-Related Equipment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The GST Council decided to exempt the import of many such items. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The exemption has been <strong>extended to August 2021.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Exemptions will be granted <strong>to the import of relief items</strong> even if they have been purchased as long as they are meant for donations to state governments. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Earlier, <strong>Integrated Goods &amp; Services Tax (IGST)</strong> exemption <strong>was granted only free of cost imports.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>With the rising cases of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mucormycosis-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Black Fungus</strong></a>, a particular medicine required for it &mdash; <strong>amphotericin-B &mdash;</strong> has also been included in the exemption list<strong> (for tax-free imports).</strong></li>
<li>It also proposed to set-up a<strong> Group of Ministers (GoM) committee</strong> to<strong> look into further exemptions</strong> that can be provided on account of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> relief measure.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>GST Amnesty Scheme:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has been <strong>recommended for reducing late fees.</strong> Taxpayers can file pending returns, avail benefits of the scheme, with reduced late fees.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It will provide <strong>relief to small taxpayers who constitute 89% of GST payers.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Late fees have also been rationalised.</strong> The maximum amount of late fee has been reduced and it will come into effect from <strong>future tax periods.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This will provide<strong> long-term relief for small GST taxpayers.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>GST Compensation Cess (States&rsquo; Dues):</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Same formula as in 2020 will be adopted this year too. The rough estimate is that the <strong>Centre will have to borrow Rs 1.58 lakh crore,</strong> which will be passed on to states as back-to-back loans.</li>
<li>A special session of the GST Council will be held to discuss <strong>extending paying compensation to states beyond 2022.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Advance Payment to Vaccine Manufacturers:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Rs. 4,500 crore rupees were paid to two vaccine manufacturers as advance payment.</li>
<li>The country is engaging with <strong>suppliers and manufacturers including from Japan, and Europe for<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-vaccine-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> vaccines</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Annual Return Filing:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Annual return filing has been<strong> simplified.</strong> The Council has <strong>recommended amending the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/goods-and-services-tax-gst-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Central Goods &amp; Services Tax (CGST) Act 2017</a></strong> to allow for self-certification of reconciliation statements, instead of getting it certified by Chartered Accountants.</li>
<li>The<strong> Annual Return filing will continue to be optional</strong> for 2020-21 for <strong>small taxpayers,</strong> having a<strong> turnover of less than two crore rupees</strong> while reconciliation statements for 2020-21 will be furnished only by those taxpayers whose turnover is five crore rupees or more.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>GST Compensation Cess</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>GST Compensation Cess is<strong> levied by the GST Act 2017.</strong> The object of levying this cess is <strong>to compensate the states for the loss of revenue arising due to the implementation of GST on 1<sup>st</sup> July 2017 for a period of five years</strong> or such period as recommended by the GST Council.</li>
<li>Compensation cess is levied <strong>over and above the amount of GST charged in relation to a particular supply.</strong> The calculation is similar to that of GST &ndash; the prescribed rate is applied to the transaction value given under <strong>section 15 of the CGST Act 2017 to arrive at the cess liability.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/business/economy/43rd-gst-council-meeting-outcome-key-announcements-finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-tax-on-medical-oxygen-concentrators-covid-19-related-medicines-vaccine-materials-7334289/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 9 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8396,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Independent Collegium for Election Commission',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, a petition was filed in the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court (SC)</strong></a> seeking the <strong>constitution of an independent collegium to appoint members of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/election-commission-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Election Commission</a>.</strong></p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Election Commission of India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is an<strong> autonomous constitutional authority</strong> responsible for administering <strong>Union and State election</strong> processes in India.</li>
<li>The body administers elections to the<strong> Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and the offices of the President and Vice President in the country.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Article 324 of the Constitution:</strong> It provides for appointment of a Election commission to superintend, direct and control the elections.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Structure :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Originally the commission had only one election commissioner but after the<strong> Election Commissioner Amendment Act 1989,</strong> it has been made a multi-member body.</li>
<li>The commission <strong>presently consists of one <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/chief-election-commissioner" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)</a> and two <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/election-commissioner" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Election Commissioners (ECs).</a></strong></li>
<li>The secretariat of the <strong>commission is located in New Delhi.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Present System of Appointment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There is <strong>no prescribed procedure for appointment</strong> of the<strong> CEC </strong>and<strong> EC as per the Constitution.</strong></li>
<li>Under the Transaction of Business rules 1961, <strong>the President shall appoint the CEC and EC</strong> based on the <strong>recommendations made by the Prime Minister.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Therefore, it is the<strong> executive power of the President</strong> to appoint CEC and ECs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, according to <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/is-the-election-commission-of-india-free" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Article 324</a>(5), the Parliament has the power to regulate the terms of conditions of service and tenure of ECs. </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991</strong> was passed to determine the conditions of service of the CEC and other ECs and to provide for the procedure for transaction of business by the ECI.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is under <strong>Article 324(5)</strong> that the Parliament has made laws till date, and not under <strong>Article 324(2)</strong> in which the Parliament can establish a selection committee for regulating the appointments made by the President.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Article 324(2)</strong> states that the President shall, with aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, appoint CEC and ECs, till Parliament enacts a law fixing the criteria for selection, conditions of service and tenure.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Need for an Independent Collegium:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Recommendation of Committees:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The recommendation to have a neutral collegium to fill up vacancies in the Election Commission have been given by<strong> several expert committees, commissions from 1975.</strong></li>
<li>The recommendation was also part of the <strong><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-election-commission-collegium-system-appointments" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Law Commission&rsquo;s 255<sup>th</sup> report</a> in March 2015.</strong></li>
<li>In <strong>2009,</strong> the<a href="/summary-of-important-reports/right-to-information-master-key-to-good-governance-2nd-arc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Second Administrative Reforms Commission</strong></a> in its fourth report suggested a collegium system for CEC and ECs.</li>
<li>In <strong>1990,</strong> the<strong> Dinesh Goswami Committee</strong> recommended effective consultation with neutral authorities like the Chief Justice of India and the Leader of the Opposition for the appointment in the Election Commission.</li>
<li>In <strong>1975, the Justice Tarkunde Committee</strong> recommended that the members of the Election Commission should be appointed by the President on the advice of a Committee consisting of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Insulation from Political and Executive Interference:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The appointment of members of the Election Commission on the whims and fancies of the Executive <strong>violates the very foundation on which it was created,</strong> thus, making the Commission a branch of the Executive.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Unfair Election Process:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Election Commission is <strong>not only responsible for conducting free and fair elections, but it also renders a quasi judicial function</strong> between the various political parties including the ruling government and other parties.</li>
<li>In such circumstances, the Executive cannot be the sole participant in the appointment of members of the Election Commission as it gives <strong>unfettered discretion to the ruling party</strong> to choose someone whose loyalty to it is ensured and thereby renders the selection process vulnerable to manipulation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenges:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Similar Demand for Others:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For other constitutional positions, similar demands can be raised where it is the imperative of the executive to make such appointments like for<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/attorney-general-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Attorney General</strong></a> or <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/comptroller-and-auditor-general-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Comptroller &amp; Auditor-General.</strong></a></li>
<li>For the appointment of<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/central-bureau-of-investigation-cbi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)</strong> </a><strong>director</strong> and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/central-vigilance-commission-2#:~:text=Background%3A,statutory%20status%20on%20the%20CVC." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Central Vigilance Commissioner</strong></a>, committees are constituted. But these are statutory positions. As of now, there is no committee for constitutional appointments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Distinction between CEC &amp; EC:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There is a difference between the position of a CEC &amp; EC. The <strong>appointments to both the positions may differ</strong> according to the task they perform.</li>
<li>Therefore, <strong>to differentiate the process of appointment which is still done on an ad-hoc basis</strong> (because of absence of any constitutional law) <strong>becomes a challenging task</strong> that needs to be addressed properly to ensure the independent working of the commission.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Judicial Overreach:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The SC interprets any law on the basis of provisions of the constitution, and constitutionally the <strong>decision for appointment procedure of EC comes under executive domain.</strong></li>
<li>Thereby, <strong>decisions by the SC</strong> in this regard <strong>can possibly shake the harmonious balance of power.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Deficiencies in the present system of appointment process needs to be removed. And <strong>adequate safeguards must be put into place to ensure that ethical and capable people head the concerned positions.</strong></li>
<li>There is a <strong>need for debate and discussions in the Parliament on the issue of independence of ECI</strong> and consequently passing of required legislation.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/plea-for-independent-panel-to-appoint-ec-members/article34581010.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 10 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8335,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Post Devolution Revenue Deficit',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The<strong> Ministry of Finance</strong> has released the <strong>second monthly instalment of Post Devolution Revenue Deficit (PDRD) Grant</strong> of Rs. 9,871 crore for the year 2021-22 <strong>to 17 States.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Post Devolution Revenue Deficit (PDRD):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Centre provides the Post Devolution Revenue Deficit Grant to the States under <strong>Article 275 of the Constitution.</strong></li>
<li>The grants are released as per the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/15th-finance-commission-recommendations-resource-allocation#:~:text=Revenue%20Deficit%20is%20defined%20as,five%2Dyear%20period%20ending%20FY26." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>recommendations of the Finance Commission</strong></a> in<strong> monthly installments to meet the gap in Revenue Accounts</strong> of the States post-devolution (of the divisible tax pool of the Centre).</li>
<li>The <strong>15<sup>th</sup> Finance Commission</strong> has recommended <strong>post devolution revenue deficit grants amounting to about Rs. 3 trillion over the five-year period ending FY26.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>number of states qualifying</strong> for the revenue deficit grants <strong>decreases from 17 in FY22,</strong> the first year of the award period <strong>to 6 in FY26,</strong> the last year.</li>
<li>The eligibility of States to receive this grant and the quantum of grant was decided by the Commission <strong>based on the gap between assessment of revenue and expenditure of the State.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>States Recommended for PDRD Grants:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Over the five-year period, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttarakhand and West Bengal are recommended to be provided with the deficit grants. The Ministry of Finance has accepted the recommendation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Article 275 of the Constitution:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It <strong>provides for the payment of such sums</strong> as Parliament may by law provide as grants-in aid <strong>to such States</strong> as Parliament may determine to be in need of assistance.</li>
<li>The grants are <strong>paid out of the Consolidated Fund of India</strong> in each year, and <strong>different sums may be fixed for different States.</strong></li>
<li>These grants are to be of the<strong> nature of capital and recurring sums</strong> as may be necessary.</li>
<li>These aim to enable that <strong>State to meet the costs of such schemes of development</strong> as may be undertaken by it with the approval of the Government of India for the purpose of <strong>promoting the welfare of the Scheduled Tribes in that State </strong>or <strong>raising the level of administration of the Scheduled Areas</strong> there in to that of the administration of the rest of the areas of that State.</li>
<li>Grants are primarily <strong>intended to correct Inter-State disparities</strong> in financial resources and to coordinate the maintenance and expansion of the welfare schemes of the State Governments on a uniform national level.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Revenue Account and Capital Account</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A <strong>revenue account</strong> includes all the revenue receipts also known as current receipts of the government. These receipts include tax revenues and other revenues of the government.</li>
<li>A <strong>capital account</strong> is an account that includes the capital receipts and the payments. It basically includes assets as well as liabilities of the government. Capital receipts comprise the loans or capital that are raised by governments by different means.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Centre State Financial Relations</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Constitutional Provisions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Indian Constitution has made elaborate provisions, relating to the<strong> distribution of the taxes as well as non-tax revenues</strong> and the<strong> power of borrowing,</strong> supplemented by <strong>provisions for grants-in-aid</strong> by the Union to the States.</li>
<li><strong>Article 268 to 293 in Part XII</strong> deals with the provisions of financial relations between Centre and States.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Taxing Powers:</strong> The Constitution divides the taxing powers between the Centre and the states as follows:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Parliament has exclusive power to levy taxes on subjects enumerated in the Union List, the state legislature has exclusive power to levy taxes on subjects enumerated in the State List.</li>
<li>Both can levy taxes on the subjects enumerated in Concurrent List whereas residuary power of taxation lies with Parliament only.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Distribution of the Tax Revenue:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Duties Levied by the Union but Collected and Appropriated by the States (Article 268):</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Includes stamp duties on bills of exchange, cheques, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Taxes Levied as well as Collected by the Union, but Assigned to the States (Article 269):</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These include taxes on the sale and purchase of goods (other than newspapers) in the course of inter-state trade or commerce or the taxes on the consignment of goods in the course of inter-state trade or commerce.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Levy and Collection of Goods and Services Tax in Course of Inter-State Trade or Commerce (Article 269-A):</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Goods and Services Tax (GST) on supplies in the course of inter-state trade or commerce are levied and collected by the Centre.</li>
<li>But, this tax is divided between the Centre and the States in the manner provided by Parliament on the recommendations of the GST Council.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Taxes Levied and Collected by the Union but Distributed between the Union and the States (Article 270):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This category includes all taxes and duties referred to in the Union List except the following:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Duties and taxes referred to in Articles 268, 269 and 269-A.</li>
<li>Surcharge on taxes and duties referred to in Article 271 (this goes to the Centre exclusively).</li>
<li>Any cess levied for specific purposes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Grants-in-Aid:</strong> Besides sharing of taxes between the Centre and the States, the Constitution provides for Grants-in-aid to the States from the Central resources. There are two types of grants:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Statutory Grants (Article 275):</strong> These grants are given by the Parliament out of the Consolidated Fund of India to such States which are in need of assistance. Different States may be granted different sums. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Specific grants are also given to promote the welfare of scheduled tribes in a state or to raise the level of administration of the Scheduled areas therein.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Discretionary Grants (Article 282):</strong> It empowers both the Centre and the states to make any grants for any public purpose, even if it is not within their respective legislative competence. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Under this provision, the Centre makes grants to the states. These grants are known as discretionary grants, the reason being that the Centre is under no obligation to give these grants and the matter lies within its discretion.</li>
<li>These grants have a two-fold purpose: to help the state financially to fulfil plan targets; and to give some leverage to the Centre to influence and coordinate state action to effectuate the national plan.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/finance-ministry-releases-9871-crore-as-revenue-deficit-grant-to-17-states/article34498784.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 11 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8320,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Media has Right to Report Court Proceeding: SC',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Supreme Court (SC)</strong> dismissed a plea by the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/election-commission-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Election Commission of India (ECI)</strong></a> to restrain media from reporting oral observations of the judges.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The SC ruled that the <strong>media has rights to report observations</strong> made during the course of hearings (Court Proceedings).</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Freedom of Speech:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Real-time reportage of court proceedings, including the <strong>oral exchanges in courtrooms</strong> between judges and lawyers, <strong>is part of the right to freedom of speech.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/right-to-dissent#:~:text=Significance%20of%20Right%20to%20Dissent,assemble%20peaceably%20and%20without%20arms." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Article 19</strong></a>, Indian Constitution guarantees <strong>Freedom of Speech and Expression.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>With the advent of technology, <strong>reporting has proliferated through social media forums</strong>, which provides real-time updates to a much wider audience. This is an <strong>extension of the freedom of speech and expression that the media possesses.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This constitutes <strong>a virtual extension of the open court.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Except in cases of <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/child-sex-abuse" target="_blank" rel="noopener">child sexual abuse</a> and marital issues</strong>, the phenomenon of free press should extend to court proceedings.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Judicial Integrity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Right of the media to report</strong> and disseminate issues and events, including court proceedings that <strong>were a part of the public domain, augmented the integrity of the judiciary.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Functionality of Open Court Proceeding:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Ensures that the <strong>judicial process is subject to public scrutiny</strong> which in turn is <strong>crucial to maintaining transparency and accountability</strong> and transparency in the functioning of democratic institutions is <strong>crucial to establish the public&lsquo;s faith in them.</strong></li>
<li>Ensures that <strong>judges act in accordance with law and with probity.</strong></li>
<li>Court proceedings are <strong>vital sources of public information</strong> about the activities of the legislature and the executive. An open court serves an <strong>educational purpose</strong> as well becoming a <strong>platform for citizens to know how the practical application of the law impacts upon their rights.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Language:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There is a <strong>need for judges to exercise caution in off-the-cuff remarks in open court</strong>, which may be susceptible to misinterpretation. <strong>Language</strong>, both on the Bench and in judgments, <strong>must comport with judicial propriety.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Language is an <strong>important instrument of a judicial process which is sensitive to constitutional values.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Election Commission of India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is an <strong>autonomous constitutional authority</strong> responsible for administering Union and State election processes in India.</li>
<li>It was established in accordance with the constitution on <strong>25<sup>th</sup> January 1950 (celebrated as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/10th-national-voters-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener">national voters' day</a>).</strong> The secretariat of the commission is located in New Delhi.</li>
<li>The body <strong>administers elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and State Legislative Assemblies in India, and the offices of the President and Vice President in the country.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is <strong>not concerned with the elections to panchayats and municipalities</strong> in the states. For this, the Constitution of India provides for a separate <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/state-election-commission-s-autonomy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">State Election Commission</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Constitutional Provisions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/chief-election-commissioner" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Part XV (Article 324-329)</strong></a> of the Indian Constitution deals with elections, and establishes a commission for these matters.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sc-declines-ecis-plea-to-restrain-media-from-reporting-madras-hc-remarks-against-it/article34496618.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 12 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8195,
		'category_id' => (int) 22,
		'title' => 'Repromulgation of Ordinances',
		'description' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-ordinance-route-is-bad-repromulgation-worse/article34361919.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;The ordinance route is bad, repromulgation worse&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 20/04/2021. It talks about the Associated issues with the frequent promulgation and repromulgation of the ordinance route.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the central government has repromulgated the<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/commission-for-air-quality-management-in-the-ncr" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Commission for Air Quality Management</a></strong> in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Ordinance, 2020. The ordinance establishes a commission for air quality management in the National Capital Region.</p>
<p>This raises questions about the practice of issuing ordinances to make law and that of re-issuing ordinances without getting them ratified by Parliament.</p>
<p>Historically, in the 1950s, central ordinances were issued at an average of 7.1 per year. However, the number peaked in the 1990s at 19.6 per year. The last couple of years has also seen a high spike in ordinance promulgation (16 in 2019, 15 in 2020).</p>
<p>The ordinance was originally conceived as an emergency provision. However, in recent times the frequent use of ordinance route has led to the undermining the role of the legislature and the doctrine of Separation of powers.</p>
<h3>Constitutional Provisions Regarding Ordinances</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Constitution permits the central and state governments to make laws when Parliament (or the State Legislature) is not in session.</li>
<li>The Indian Constitution, in Article 123, authorizes the executive to promulgate ordinances if certain conditions are satisfied.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Ordinances may be promulgated only if <strong>at least one House of Parliament is not in session.</strong></li>
<li>President is satisfied that <strong>&ldquo;immediate action&rdquo;</strong> is necessary.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Constitution states that the ordinance will lapse at the end of six weeks from the time Parliament (or the State Legislature) next meets.</li>
<li>Similar provisions also exist for<strong> state governments under article 213.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Supreme Court&rsquo;s Judgement on Ordinances</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>RC Cooper Case 1970:</strong> Supreme Court in RC Cooper vs. Union of India (1970) held that the <strong>President&rsquo;s decision to promulgate ordinance could be challenged</strong> on the grounds that &lsquo;immediate action&rsquo; was not required, and the ordinance had been issued primarily to bypass debate and discussion in the legislature.</li>
<li><strong>DC Wadhwa Case 1987:</strong> The issue of frequent promulgation of ordinances was again brought up in the Supreme Court through a writ petition.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The petition was regarding the promulgation of 256 ordinances between 1967 and 1981 in Bihar.</li>
<li>This included 11 ordinances that were kept alive for more than 10 years and famously dubbed as ordinance raj.</li>
<li>The Supreme court held that the legislative power of the executive to promulgate ordinances is to be <strong>used in exceptional circumstances</strong> and not as a substitute for the law-making power of the legislature.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Krishna Kumar Singh Case 2017:</strong> Supreme Court in Krishna Kumar Singh v. the State of Bihar held that the authority to issue ordinances is not an absolute entrustment, but is &ldquo;conditional upon satisfaction that circumstances exist rendering it necessary to take immediate action&rdquo;.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It further stated that the re-promulgation of ordinances is a fraud on the Constitution and a subversion of democratic legislative processes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Associated Issues with the Ordinance Route</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Usurpation of Legislative Power:</strong> As lawmaking is a legislative function, this power is provided for urgent requirements, and the law thus made has an automatic expiry date.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>An ordinance &ldquo;ceases to operate&rdquo; six weeks after the two Houses reassemble, except if it is converted into an Act by then. Repromulgation sidesteps this limitation.</li>
<li>To repromulgate is to effectively extend the life of an ordinance and lead to the usurpation of legislative power by the executive.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Undermining the Doctrine of Separation of Powers:</strong> In the Kesavananda Bharati v State of Kerala case 1973, the Supreme Court listed the<strong> separation of powers as a &ldquo;basic feature&rdquo;</strong> of the Constitution.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The ordinance mechanism, in effect, is designed to remedy situations of legislative urgency when Parliament is not in session; it is not an alternative to parliamentary legislation.</li>
<li>However, article 123 places no numeric limits on ordinances.</li>
<li>In this way, the repromulgation undermines the separation of powers, as it effectively allows the executive to make permanent legislation without legislative input or approval.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ignoring Supreme Court&rsquo;s Judgements:</strong> Even after tough judgments on the use of ordinances, both the Centre and state governments have ignored the Supreme Court&rsquo;s observations.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For example, in 2013 and 2014, the Securities Laws (Amendment) Ordinance was promulgated three times.</li>
<li>Similarly, an ordinance to amend the Land Acquisition Act was issued in December 2014, and repromulgated twice &ndash; in April and May 2015.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Indian Constitution has provided for the separation of powers among the legislature, executive, and judiciary where enacting laws is the function of the legislature. The executive must show self-restraint and should use ordinance making power only in unforeseen or urgent matters and not to evade legislative scrutiny and debates.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f7fff9;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Ordinances though were meant to be temporary, but repromulgation sidesteps this limitation and makes them permanent. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 8186,
		'category_id' => (int) 22,
		'title' => 'Is the Election Commission of India Free?',
		'description' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-eci-cannot-be-a-super-government/article34353019.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;The Election Commission of India cannot be a super-government&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 19/04/2021. It talks about the issues and ambiguous provisions that affect the functioning of the Election Commission of India.</p>
</div>
<p>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/election-commission-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Election Commission of India (ECI)</strong> </a>is a creation of the Constitution. Article 324 says the superintendence, direction, and control of all elections to Parliament, the State legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President shall be vested in the ECI.</p>
<p>The article has been interpreted by courts and by orders of the ECI from time to time to mean that the power vested in it is plenary in nature. It is seen as unlimited and unconditional in the matter of holding elections.</p>
<p>However, there are many issues and ambiguous provisions that affect the functioning of ECI.</p>
<h3>Source of Power of ECI</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Constitution:</strong> ECI derives its power and functions from Article 324 of the Constitution.</li>
<li><strong>Supreme Court Judgement:</strong> The Supreme Court held in Mohinder Singh Gill vs Chief Election Commissioner 1978 that Article 324 contains plenary powers to ensure free and fair elections and these are vested in the ECI which can take all necessary steps to achieve this constitutional object.</li>
<li><strong>Model Code of Conduct:</strong> The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/model-code-of-conduct-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>model code of conduct</strong></a> issued by the ECI is a set of guidelines meant for political parties, candidates, and governments to adhere to during an election. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This code is based on consensus among political parties. Its origin can be traced to a code of conduct for political parties prepared by the Kerala government in 1960 for the Assembly elections.</li>
<li>It was adopted and refined and enlarged by the ECI in later years and was enforced strictly from 1991 onwards.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Independence of ECI:</strong> The independence of the ECI is preserved by clauses in the Constitution that say the Chief Election Commissioner cannot be removed from office except in the manner provided for the removal of a Supreme Court judge.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, the conditions of his service cannot be varied to the incumbent&rsquo;s disadvantage after appointment.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Associated Issues With The ECI</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Undefined Scope of Powers:</strong> Besides the MCC, the ECI issues from time to time directions, instructions, and clarifications on a host of issues that crop up in the course of an election. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The code does not say what the ECI can do; it contains only guidelines for the candidates, political parties, and the governments.</li>
<li>Thus, there exists a considerable amount of confusion about the extent and nature of the powers which are available to the ECI in enforcing the code as well as its other decisions in relation to an election.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>No Legal Backing of MCC:</strong> MCC is framed on the basis of a consensus among political parties, it has not been given any legal backing. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, it does not have statutory value, and it is enforced only by the moral and constitutional authority of the EC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Paragraph 16A of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968 says that the commission may suspend or withdraw recognition of a recognized political party if it refuses to observe the model code of conduct.</li>
<li>However, the issue is when the code is legally not enforceable, how can the ECI resort to a punitive action such as withdrawal of recognition.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Transfer of Officials:</strong> Another issue that pertains to the functioning of the ECI, is the abrupt transfer of senior officials working under State governments by an order of the commission. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In Mohinder Singh Gill&rsquo;s case, the Court had made it clear that the ECI can draw power from Article 324 only when no law exists which governs a particular matter.</li>
<li>However, the transfer of officials, etc is governed by rules made under Article 309 of the Constitution which cannot be bypassed by the ECI under the purported exercise of the power conferred by Article 324.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Conflict With the Law:</strong> According to the MCC, Ministers cannot announce any financial grants in any form, make any promise of construction of roads, provision of drinking water facilities, etc or make any ad hoc appointments in the government. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Section 123 (2)(b) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 says that the declaration of a public policy or the exercise of a legal right will not be regarded as interfering with the free exercise of the electoral right.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Lack of Enforceability:</strong> The EC does not have the power to disqualify candidates who commit electoral malpractices. At best, it may direct the registration of a case. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>That is why, in the 2019 general election, ECI admitted to the Supreme Court that it was &ldquo;toothless&rdquo;, and did not have enough powers to deal with inflammatory or divisive speeches in the election campaign.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The role played by the ECI has bestowed a very high level of confidence in the minds of Indian citizens in ensuring the purity of the elected legislative bodies in the country. However, the grey areas in the legal sphere must be rectified, so that ECI can ensure the proper functioning of the democracy via free and fair election.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fffffc;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>The role played by the Election Commission of India not only ensures free and fair elections but also the proper functioning of democracy. Examine.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
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	(int) 14 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8156,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Online Grievance Management Portal: NCSC',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Government launched the <strong>&ldquo;Online Grievance Management Portal of National Commission for Scheduled Castes (<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-commission-for-scheduled-castes-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NCSC</a>)&rdquo;</strong> on the occasion of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dr-b-r-ambedkar-s-129th-birth-anniversary" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>130<sup>th</sup> birth anniversary of Dr. B R Ambedkar.</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The portal would make it easier for the SC population to register their complaints.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Online Portal:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has been <strong>designed in collaboration with the Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N)</strong>, a Centre of Excellence under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.</li>
<li>It will <strong>facilitate an end-to-end e-filing of complaints</strong> and grievances and <strong>their tracking.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is for <strong>submission of complaints about atrocities</strong> against citizens who belong to the Scheduled Castes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is &ldquo;intended to make the hearing processor" similar to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/e-courts-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India&rsquo;s e-Courts project</strong></a> and allow grievance redressal for the country&rsquo;s scheduled caste population in a &ldquo;time bound manner".</li>
<li>It will <strong>supplement the physical submission of complaints</strong> and grievances.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>NCSC is a constitutional body</strong> that works to <strong>safeguard the interests of the Scheduled Castes (SC)</strong> in India.</li>
<li><strong>Article 338 of the Constitution</strong> of India deals with this commission.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It provided for a National Commission for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes with duties to investigate and monitor all matters relating to safeguards provided for them, to inquire into specific complaints and to participate and advise on the planning process of their socio-economic development etc.</li>
<li>By the <strong>amendment in 2003</strong>, the erstwhile National Commission for SC and ST was replaced by two separate Commissions <strong>from the year 2004</strong> which are: National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-commission-for-scheduled-tribes" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)</strong></a>-under <strong>Article 338-A.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Functions of the NCSC:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Monitoring and investigating</strong> all issues concerning the safeguards provided <strong>for the SCs</strong> under the Constitution.</li>
<li><strong>Enquiring into complaints</strong> relating to <strong>the deprivation of the rights</strong> and <strong>safeguards of the SCs.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Taking part in and advising</strong> the central or state governments with respect to the planning of <strong>socio-economic development of the SCs.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Regular reporting to the President</strong> of the country on the implementation of <strong>these safeguards.</strong></li>
<li>Any other function with respect to the welfare, protection, development and <strong>advancement of the SC community.</strong></li>
<li>The Commission is also required to discharge similar functions with regard to the <strong>Anglo-Indian Community</strong> as it does <strong>with respect to the SCs.</strong></li>
<li>Till 2018, the commission was also required to discharge similar functions with regard to the <strong>Other Backward Classes (OBCs).</strong> It was relieved from this responsibility by the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-commission-for-backward-classes-ncbc#:~:text=102nd%20Constitution%20Amendment%20Act,socially%20and%20educationally%20backward%20classes." target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <strong>102<sup>nd</sup> Amendment Act of 2018.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Other Constitutional and Legal Provisions For Upliftment of the Schedule Caste</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/important-articles-from-indian-constitution-compilation-part-i" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Article 15</a>(4)</strong> refers to the special provisions for their advancement.</li>
<li><strong>Article 16(4A)</strong> speaks of <strong>&ldquo;reservation in matters of promotion to any class or classes of posts in the services under the State in favour of SCs/STs</strong>, which are not adequately represented in the services under the State&rsquo;.</li>
<li><strong>Article 17</strong> abolishes Untouchability.</li>
<li><strong>Article 46</strong> requires the State <strong>&lsquo;to promote with special care the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections</strong> of the people, and, in particular, of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, and to protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation.</li>
<li><strong>Article 335</strong> provides that the claims of the members of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes shall be taken into consideration, consistently with the maintenance of efficiency of administration, in the making of <strong>appointments to services and posts</strong> in connection with the affairs of the Union or of a State.</li>
<li><strong>Article 330</strong> and <strong>Article 332</strong> of the Constitution respectively provide for <strong>reservation of seats in favour of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in the House of the People and in the legislative assemblies</strong> of the States.</li>
<li>Under <strong>Part IX</strong> relating to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/panchayati-raj-institutions-and-participative-democracy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Panchayats</strong></a> and <strong>Part IXA</strong> of the Constitution relating to the Municipalities, reservation for SC and ST in local bodies has been envisaged and provided.</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sc-upholds-changes-to-sc-st-atrocities-law" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SC and the ST (Prevention of Atrocities) amendment Act, 2018.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID%3D1711868&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1618486972066000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1XyieJyQj3nMy-4cSogBay" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 15 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8133,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Chief Election Commissioner',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the President appointed<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/election-commissioner" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Election Commissioner</a> Sushil Chandra</strong> as the <strong>Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>He replaces <strong>Sunil Arora</strong> who has retired.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Election Commission of India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/election-commission-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Election Commission of India (ECI)</strong></a> is an <strong>autonomous constitutional authority</strong> responsible for administering <strong>Union and State election</strong> processes in India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It was established in accordance with the Constitution on <strong>25<sup>th</sup> January 1950 (celebrated as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/10th-national-voters-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener">national voters' day</a>).</strong> The<strong> secretariat</strong> of the commission is located in <strong>New Delhi.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The body administers elections to the<strong> Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and State Legislative Assemblies</strong> in India, and the<strong> offices of the President and Vice President in the country.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is not concerned with the elections to panchayats and municipalities in the states. For this, the Constitution of India provides for a separate <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/state-election-commission-s-autonomy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>State Election Commission.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Constitutional Provisions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Part XV (Article 324-329) of the Indian Constitution:</strong> It deals with elections, and establishes a commission for these matters.</li>
<li><strong>Article 324:</strong> Superintendence, direction and control of elections to be vested in an Election Commission.</li>
<li><strong>Article 325:</strong> No person to be ineligible for inclusion in, or to claim to be included in a special, electoral roll on grounds of religion, race, caste or sex.</li>
<li><strong>Article 326:</strong> Elections to the House of the People and to the Legislative Assemblies of States to be on the basis of adult suffrage.</li>
<li><strong>Article 327:</strong> Power of Parliament to make provision with respect to elections to Legislatures.</li>
<li><strong>Article 328:</strong> Power of Legislature of a State to make provision with respect to elections to such Legislature.</li>
<li><strong>Article 329:</strong> Bar to interference by courts in electoral matters.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Structure of ECI:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Originally the commission had only <strong>one election commissioner</strong> but after the <strong>Election Commissioner Amendment Act 1989,</strong> it has been made a multi-member body</li>
<li>The Election Commission <strong>shall consist of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and such number of other election commissioners,</strong> if any, as the President may from time to time fix.</li>
<li>Presently, it consists of the CEC and two Election Commissioners.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>At the state level, the election commission is helped by the <strong>Chief Electoral Officer</strong> who is an IAS rank Officer.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Appointment &amp; Tenure of Commissioners:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> President appoints</strong> CEC and Election Commissioners.</li>
<li>They have a<strong> fixed tenure of six years,</strong> or up to the<strong> age of 65 years,</strong> whichever is earlier.</li>
<li>They enjoy the <strong>same status and receive salary and perks as available to Judges of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Supreme Court (SC)</a></strong> of India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Removal:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They can <strong>resign anytime</strong> or can also be <strong>removed before the expiry of their term.</strong></li>
<li>The CEC can be removed from office only <strong>through a process of removal similar to that of a SC judge</strong> by Parliament.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Procedure of Removal</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Judges of High Courts and <strong>SC,</strong> CEC, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/comptroller-and-auditor-general-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)</strong></a> may be removed from office through a motion adopted by Parliament on grounds of <strong>&lsquo;proved misbehaviour or incapacity&rsquo;.</strong></li>
<li>Removal requires a<strong> special majority of 2/3<sup>rd</sup> members present and voting supported by more than 50% of the total strength of the house.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Constitution does not use the word &lsquo;impeachment&rsquo;,</strong> for the removal of the judges, CAG, CEC.</li>
<li>The term <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/impeachment-of-the-president-of-the-usa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&lsquo;Impeachment&rsquo;</a> is only used for removing the President</strong> which requires the special majority of 2/3<sup>rd</sup> members of the total strength of both the houses which is not used elsewhere.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Limitations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Constitution has <strong>not prescribed the qualifications</strong> (legal, educational, administrative or judicial) of the members of the Election Commission.</li>
<li>The Constitution has <strong>not specified the term</strong> of the members of the Election Commission.</li>
<li>The Constitution has<strong> not debarred the retiring election commissioners from any further appointment by the government.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Powers and Functions of ECI:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Administrative:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To <strong>determine the territorial areas</strong> of the electoral constituencies throughout the country on the basis of the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/delimitation-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Delimitation</strong> </a>Commission Act of Parliament.</li>
<li>To prepare and<strong> periodically revise electoral rolls</strong> and to register all eligible voters.</li>
<li>To <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/first-national-party-from-north-east" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>grant recognition to political parties</strong></a> and <strong>allot election symbols</strong> to them.</li>
<li>Election Commission <strong>ensures a level playing field</strong> for the political parties in election fray, through strict observance by them of a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/model-code-of-conduct-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Model Code of Conduct</strong></a> evolved with the consensus of political parties.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Advisory Jurisdiction &amp; Quasi-Judicial Functions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Under the Constitution, the Commission has<strong> advisory jurisdiction in the matter of post election disqualification</strong> of sitting members of Parliament and State Legislatures.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>opinion of the Commission in all such matters is binding on the President or, as the case may be, the Governor</strong> to whom such opinion is tendered.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Further, the <strong>cases of persons found guilty of corrupt practices at elections</strong> which come before the SC and High Courts are also<strong> referred to the Commission for its opinion</strong> on the question as to whether such person shall be disqualified and, if so, for what period.</li>
<li>The Commission has the <strong>power to disqualify a candidate</strong> who has failed to lodge an account of his election expenses within the time and in the manner prescribed by law.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1618307930_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1618307930_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="700" caption="false" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sushil-chandra-appointed-chief-election-commissioner/article34303884.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 8062,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Star Campaigners and Model Code of Conduct',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/election-commission-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Election Commission of India (ECI)</strong></a> delisted Ex-Telecom Minister A. Raja from the list of<strong> star campaigners.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>He has also been reprimanded for violation of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/model-code-of-conduct-ec" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Model Code of Conduct (MCC)</strong> </a>for making certain remarks during election times.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Star Campaigners:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A star campaigner is a <strong>celebrity vote seeker in an election</strong> for a party. This person can be anyone, a politician or even a film star. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There is <strong>no law governing who can or cannot be made a star campaigner.</strong></li>
<li>They are <strong>nominated by the concerned political parties</strong> specifying their constituencies and duration of the status.</li>
<li>The <strong>ECI issues guidelines under the Model Code of Conduct regulating poll campaigns.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Numbers of Star Campaigners:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/state-party-status-by-election-commission-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;recognised&rsquo; National or State party</strong></a> declared as such by the ECI can nominate a <strong>maximum of 40 star campaigners.</strong></li>
<li>An<strong> unrecognised political party</strong> can nominate a maximum of <strong>20 star campaigners.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Need For Star Campaigners:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>ECI keeps a tab on expenditure incurred by individual candidates</strong> during campaign - Rs. 70 lakh for most states in one constituency by each candidate.</li>
<li><strong>Expenditure incurred on electioneering by the star campaigner is not added </strong>to a<strong> candidate&rsquo;s poll expenditure</strong> giving him/her more scope for expenditure. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, for an individual candidate to get relief from campaign expenditure, the star campaigner has to limit oneself to general campaigning for the party.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>According to the <strong>Representation of People&rsquo;s Act,</strong> these <strong>expenses will be borne by the political parties.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Prime Minister as Star Campaigner:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The MCC guidelines say when a prime minister or a former prime minister is star campaigner, the<strong> expenditure incurred on security</strong> including on the bullet-proof vehicles will be <strong>borne by the government</strong> and will not be added to the election expenses of the party or the individual candidate.</li>
<li>However, <strong>if another campaigner travels with the prime minister,</strong> the individual candidate will have to bear 50% of the expenditure incurred on the security arrangements.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenge of Delisting from Star Campaigner List:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Section 77 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951,</strong> which relates to a <strong>candidate&rsquo;s election expenditure,</strong> leaves it to the political party itself to decide who its &ldquo;leaders&rdquo; are and allows every party to submit a list of such &lsquo;star campaigners&rsquo; to the election authorities.</li>
<li>As the expenditure on the star campaigners is not included in the expenditure of the candidate concerned, an order of the ECI revoking the star status is actually a <strong>withdrawal of the right to campaign</strong> without incurring electoral expenditure on the candidates&rsquo; account.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Model Code of Conduct (MCC):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The MCC is a <strong>set of guidelines</strong> issued by the ECI to <strong>regulate political parties and candidates</strong> prior to elections.</li>
<li>It helps ECI in keeping with the mandate it has been given under <strong>Article 324</strong> of the Constitution, which gives it the <strong>power to supervise and conduct free and fair elections</strong> to the Parliament and State Legislatures.</li>
<li><strong>Duration of Enforcement:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The MCC is <strong>operational from the date on which the election schedule</strong> is announced <strong>until the date of result</strong> announcement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Legal Status:</strong> MCC is <strong>not statutory</strong> but Political Parties, Candidates and Polling Agents are expected to observe the norms, on matters ranging from the content of election manifestos, speeches and processions, to general conduct etc.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Certain provisions of the MCC may be enforced through invoking corresponding provisions in other statutes such as the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/a-road-map-for-criminal-justice-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Penal Code 1860</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/re-imagining-cognizable-offences" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Code of Criminal Procedure 1973</strong></a>, and <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/the-representation-of-the-people-act-part-ii" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Representation of the People Act 1951.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recommendations Related to MCC:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In 2013, the <strong>Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice,</strong> recommended making the <strong>MCC legally binding,</strong> i.e. MCC shall be made a part of the RPA 1951.</li>
<li>In 2015, <strong>Law Commission of India (LCI) Report 255</strong> observed that since the MCC comes into operation only from the date on which the ECI announces elections, the government can release advertisements prior to the announcement of elections. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The report recommended that a restriction should be imposed on government-sponsored advertisements for up to <strong>six months prior to the date of expiry</strong> of the House/Assembly.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/elections/tamil-nadu-assembly/election-commission-bars-dmks-a-raja-from-campaigning-for-48-hours/article34213233.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 7779,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'National Commission for Scheduled Castes',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>Vijay Sampla</strong> has been appointed as the chairman of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/reimagining-the-national-commission-for-scheduled-castes" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC).</strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>NCSC is a <strong>constitutional body</strong> that works to<strong> safeguard the interests of the scheduled castes (SC)</strong> in India.</li>
<li><strong>Article 338</strong> of the constitution of India deals with this commission:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It provides for a <strong>National Commission for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes</strong> with duties to investigate and <strong>monitor all matters relating to safeguards provided for them,</strong> to inquire into specific complaints and to participate and advise on the planning process of their socio-economic development etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>History and Origin:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Special Officer:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Initially, the constitution provided for the appointment of a<strong> Special Officer</strong> under Article 338.</li>
<li>The special officer was designated as the Commissioner for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>65<sup>th</sup> Amendment, 1990:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It replaced the one-member system with a multi-member <strong>National Commission for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).</strong></li>
<li>The Constitution (65<sup>th</sup> Amendment) Act 1990, amended Article 338 of the Constitution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>89<sup>th</sup> Amendment, 2003:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>By this amendment, the erstwhile National Commission for SC and ST was replaced by <strong>two separate Commissions</strong> from the year 2004 which were:<strong> National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)</strong> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-commission-for-scheduled-tribes" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)</strong></a>- under <strong>Article 338-A.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Structure:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It consists of:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Chairperson.</li>
<li>Vice-chairperson.</li>
<li>Three other members.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>They are <strong>appointed by the President</strong> by warrant under his hand and seal.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Functions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Monitoring and investigating all issues</strong> concerning the safeguards provided <strong>for the SCs</strong> under the constitution.</li>
<li><strong>Enquiring into complaints</strong> relating to the deprivation of the rights and safeguards of the SCs.</li>
<li>Taking part in and <strong>advising the central or state governments</strong> with respect to the planning of socio-economic development of the SCs.</li>
<li>Regular <strong>reporting to the President</strong> of the country on the implementation of these safeguards.</li>
<li><strong>Recommending steps</strong> to be taken to further the <strong>socio-economic development and other welfare activities</strong> of the SCs.</li>
<li>Any other function with respect to the welfare, protection, development and advancement of the SC community.</li>
<li>The Commission is also required to discharge similar functions with regard to the <strong>Anglo-Indian Community</strong> as it does with respect to the SCs.</li>
<li>Till 2018, the commission was also required to discharge similar functions with regard to the other backward classes (OBCs). It was relieved from this responsibility by the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-commission-for-backward-classes-ncbc#:~:text=102nd%20Constitution%20Amendment%20Act,socially%20and%20educationally%20backward%20classes." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>102<sup>nd</sup> Amendment Act of 2018</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Other Constitutional Provisions For Upliftment of the Schedule Caste</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/important-articles-from-indian-constitution-compilation-part-i" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Article 15</strong></a><strong>(4)</strong> refers to the special provisions for their advancement.</li>
<li><strong>Article 16(4A)</strong> speaks of <strong>&ldquo;reservation in matters of promotion to any class or classes of posts in the services under the State in favour of SCs/STs,</strong> which are not adequately represented in the services under the State&rsquo;.</li>
<li><strong>Article 17</strong> abolishes Untouchability.</li>
<li><strong>Article 46</strong> requires the State <strong>&lsquo;to promote with special care the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections</strong> of the people, and, in particular, of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, and to protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation.</li>
<li><strong>Article 335</strong> provides that the claims of the members of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes shall be taken into consideration, consistently with the maintenance of efficiency of administration, in the making of <strong>appointments to services and posts</strong> in connection with the affairs of the Union or of a State.</li>
<li><strong>Article 330</strong> and <strong>Article 332</strong> of the Constitution respectively provide for <strong>reservation of seats in favour of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in the House of the People and in the legislative assemblies</strong> of the States.</li>
<li>Under <strong>Part IX</strong> relating to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/panchayati-raj-institutions-and-participative-democracy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Panchayats</strong></a> and <strong>Part IXA</strong> of the Constitution relating to the Municipalities, reservation for SC and ST in local bodies has been envisaged and provided.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/national-commission-for-scheduled-castes-gets-chairman/article33928022.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 18 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7642,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Economic Impact of Judicial Decisions',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/niti-aayog-national-institution-for-transforming-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>NITI Aayog</strong></a> has asked research organisation <strong>&lsquo;Consumer Unity and Trust Society (CUTS) International&rsquo;</strong> to conduct a study on the<strong> &ldquo;economic impact&rdquo;</strong> <strong>of various judgments delivered by courts and tribunals</strong> and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/when-judges-legislate" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;judicial activism&rsquo;</strong></a> of such courts and tribunals.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Judicial Activism:</strong> It implies the<strong> assertive role played by the judiciary</strong> to force the other two organs of the government (legislature and executive) to discharge their constitutional duties. It is<strong> also known as &ldquo;judicial dynamism&rdquo;.</strong> It is the<strong> antithesis of &ldquo;judicial restraint&rdquo;,</strong> which means the self-control exercised by the judiciary.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Conducting Organization:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The study is to be undertaken by the Jaipur-headquartered <strong>CUTS (Consumer Unity and Trust Society)</strong> Centre for Competition, Investment and Economic Regulation, that also has an international presence.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is a<strong> registered, recognised, non-profit, non-partisan, non-government organisation (NGO)</strong> pursuing social justice and economic equity both within and across borders.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The objective of the study aims a<strong> &ldquo;narrative building for sensitising the judiciary on the economic impact of their decisions&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li>It is to do an objective <strong>cost-benefit analysis of the economic impact of the decisions.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Projects to be Studied:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Study intends to examine<strong> five major projects that have been &ldquo;impacted&rdquo; by judicial decisions of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Supreme Court (SC)</a></strong> or the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-green-tribunal-ngt" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Green Tribunal (NGT).</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Projects to be analysed include the construction of an<strong> airport in Mopa, Goa;</strong> cessation of<strong> iron ore mining in Goa,</strong> and the shutting down of the <strong>Sterlite copper plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.</strong></li>
<li>The others are decisions by the NGT involving <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/unep-report-on-sand-mining" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sand mining</a>, and construction activities in the National Capital Region.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Process:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It plans to do this by <strong>interviewing people who have been affected</strong> by the closure of the projects, environmental campaigners, experts and assessing the business impact of closure.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The findings will be used as a <strong>training input for judges</strong> of commercial courts, NGT, High Courts and SC.</li>
<li>It would contribute to public discourse among policymakers for promoting an <strong>&ldquo;economically responsible approach by judiciary&rdquo;</strong> in its decisions.</li>
<li>The study is also a <strong>part of the larger umbrella project</strong> undertaken by NITI Aayog under which it wants to establish a<strong> judicial performance index,</strong> which would measure the performance of judges at district courts and subordinate levels.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Previous Study:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2017, the same CUTS International had also conducted an assessment study on the economic impact of the SC&rsquo;s decision to <strong>impose a ban on the presence of liquor shops within 500 m of any highway.</strong></li>
<li>The study showed that <strong>cases which involve substantial social and economic dimensions need to be studied in detail</strong> to assess whether they are implementable in the first place and whether the loss to the economy outweighs the gains envisaged.</li>
<li>This could be done <strong>if Courts set up expert committees</strong> to study these aspects which can also engage economists to analyse the cost/benefits before a judgment is pronounced.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Supreme Court had established such expert group committees for cases in the past like the <strong>Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety</strong> under the Chairmanship of Justice K.S. Radhakrishnan in 2014 and <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sc-alters-lodhas-bcci-proposals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Justice Lodha Committee</a> set up in 2015</strong> for reforms within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), amongst others.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1612782274_image6.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1612782274_image6.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="450" caption="false" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/business/niti-aayog-orders-study-on-economic-impact-of-judicial-decisions-7178976/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 19 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7600,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => '15th Finance Commission Recommendations: Fiscal Consolidation',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the 15<sup>th</sup> Finance Commission&rsquo;s Report was tabled in the Parliament. It provided range for the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/increased-fiscal-deficit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>fiscal deficit</strong></a> and debt path of both the Union and States.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Fiscal Deficit:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Target for Centre:</strong> It recommended that the Centre brings down its fiscal deficit to 4% of Gross Domestic Product GDP by 2025-26 against 6.8% in FY22.</li>
<li><strong>Target for States:</strong> For states, it recommended <strong>fiscal deficit at 4% of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) in 2021-22,</strong> 3.5% in the following year and 3% for the next three years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Borrowing Ceilings for States:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Because of <strong>Article 293 of the Constitution,</strong> State Governments operate under borrowing limits and, hence, budget constraints, approved by the Union Government.</li>
<li>The normal limit for <strong>net borrowing may be fixed at 4% of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) in 2021-22, 3.5% in 2022-23 </strong>and be maintained at<strong> 3% of GSDP from 2023-24 to 2025-26.</strong></li>
<li><strong>An additional borrowing of 0.5% of GSDP</strong> to be allowed to the States in case they meet the criteria for <strong>power sector reforms.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Better Monitoring of Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS):</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A <strong>threshold amount of annual appropriation should be fixed</strong> below which the funding for a<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/reforming-centrally-sponsored-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> CSS</strong></a> may be stopped. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Below the stipulated threshold, the<strong> administration department should justify the need for the continuation of the scheme.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>As the life cycle of ongoing schemes has been made co-terminus with the cycle of Finance Commissions, <strong>third-party evaluation of all CSSs should be completed within a stipulated time frame.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>New FRBM Framework:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act (<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/flexibility-under-the-frbm-act" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>FRBM Act, 2003</strong></a>) <strong>needs a major restructuring</strong> and recommended that the time-table for defining and achieving debt sustainability may be examined by a <strong>High-powered Inter-governmental Group.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This High-powered Group can craft the <strong>new FRBM framework</strong> and oversee its implementation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>State Governments may explore formation of independent public debt management cells</strong> which will chart their borrowing programme efficiently.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1693868" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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