MAINS Current Affairs includes Is Compulsory Voting Feasible in the Indian Context? & Agri-Photovoltaics (AgriPV) & PM-KUSUM: Dual-purpose Powerhouses

Polity & Governance

1. Is Compulsory Voting Feasible in the Indian Context?

Context: The Chief Justice of India recently suggested exploring compulsory voting as a way to improve voter turnout and deepen democratic participation.

Right to Vote in India

• Article 326 provides for universal adult suffrage (18+ years).
• However, the right to vote is a statutory right, not a Fundamental Right (as per Supreme Court rulings).

What is Compulsory Voting?

• A system where citizens are legally required to vote in elections.
• Non-compliance may attract penalties (fines, restrictions, etc.).

Global Examples

• Australia – fines; turnout >90%
• Belgium – long-standing system
• Brazil – mandatory (18–70 age group)

Indian Experience

• Gujarat (2009) introduced it for local bodies
• Stayed by High Court due to legal concerns

Arguments in Favour

Improves Voter Turnout

• Law Commission (255th Report): turnout may increase by ~7%

Enhances Democratic Legitimacy

• Ensures governments reflect broader public participation, not just active voters

Promotes Civic Responsibility

• Encourages citizens to see voting as a democratic duty

Reduces Role of Money Power

• Higher turnout reduces need for mobilisation spending

Arguments Against

Violation of Freedom

• May infringe Article 19(1)(a) (freedom of expression, including right not to vote)

Practical Challenges in India

• Large electorate (96+ crore voters)
• Migration, remote areas, logistical issues

Risk of Random Voting

• Unwilling voters may vote arbitrarily, affecting election quality

Penalty Concerns

• Fines or denial of services may be harsh and inequitable in Indian conditions

Expert Views

• R. Ambedkar opposed compulsory voting
• Dinesh Goswami Committee rejected it due to feasibility issues
• Law Commission (255th Report): Not suitable without strict penalties

Way Forward

• Strengthen awareness:Expand voter education through Election Commission of India initiatives like SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation).
• Improve accessibility: Ensure better transport, more polling booths, and convenient polling holidays.
• Enable migrant voting:Scale up remote voting solutions for internal migrants.
• Leverage technology:Use secure digital tools for wider and safer participation.
• Boost urban turnout:Target low-participation urban areas with focused engagement strategies.

Conclusion

Compulsory voting may improve participation but is not practical or desirable in India due to constitutional, logistical, and socio-economic challenges.

The better approach is to encourage voluntary participation, strengthen awareness, and improve electoral accessibility rather than enforcing voting through legal compulsion.

Science & Technology

2. Agri-Photovoltaics (AgriPV) & PM-KUSUM: Dual-purpose Powerhouses

Context: The Union Budget 2026–27 significantly increased allocation for the PM-KUSUM scheme to ₹5,000 crore, highlighting India’s push toward solarising agriculture.

However, balancing energy generation with food security remains a key challenge. 

What is Agri-Photovoltaics (AgriPV)?

AgriPV refers to the co-location of solar panels and agricultural activities on the same land.

It enables dual land use:

• Crop cultivation
• Solar power generation

Improves land productivity (Land Equivalent Ratio > 1), meaning the same land produces more combined output than separate uses.

Types of AgriPV Systems

Elevated Systems

• Solar panels mounted several metres above ground
• Farming continues underneath

Row-based Systems

• Panels installed between crop rows
• Suitable for mixed cropping

Vertical Systems

• Upright bifacial panels
• Capture sunlight from both sides

Greenhouse-integrated Systems

• Solar panels integrated with protected cultivation structures

Role of Crop Selection

• Shade-tolerant crops (e.g., leafy vegetables) perform well under panels
• Sunlight-intensive crops grow better in open or row spaces
• Moderate shading (20–30%) can:
  • Reduce heat stress
  • Improve soil moisture
  • Maintain or even increase yields

Economic & Business Models

• Farmer-owned model: Farmers use electricity and sell surplus
• FPO/Cooperative model: Collective bargaining and scaling
• Developer-led model: Leasing land or revenue sharing
• Public model: State-led decentralised solar systems
• AgriPV can increase farm income by 30%+ through diversification.

Why AgriPV is Important for India

1. Solving Land Scarcity

• India targets 300 GW solar capacity by 2030
• Over 50% land is agricultural
• AgriPV avoids land-use conflict

2. Enhancing Farmer Income

• Income from:
  • Electricity sale
  • Land leasing
  • Shared revenues
  • Reduces dependence on monsoon

3. Environmental Benefits

• Reduces evapotranspiration
• Improves soil moisture
• Protects crops from extreme weather
• Cuts diesel usage

Strengthens Water–Energy–Food nexus

4. Rural Development

• Enables:
  • Cold storage
  • Food processing
  • Agro-industries
  • Boosts rural entrepreneurship

Challenges in Scaling AgriPV

• Economic Barriers: High capital cost due to elevated structures and specialised mounting systems; and cost higher than conventional solar.
• Agricultural Uncertainty: Crop yields vary depending on design and shading patterns; and poor design may reduce productivity.
• Regulatory Issues: Land classification and ownership ambiguity, and lack of clarity on tariffs, grid connectivity, and revenue sharing.
• Institutional Constraints: Limited technical standards and design benchmarks; investor uncertainty due to lack of policy clarity.

Policy Pathways for India

• Integration with PM-KUSUM 2.0: Proposed National Agri-Photovoltaics Mission (10 GW); and Viability Gap Funding (VGF)to reduce capital burden.
• Clear Policy Framework: Recognise dual-use land systems, and standardise designs and tariffs.
• State-Level Interventions: Identify AgriPV clusters,streamline approvals and provide farmer training.
• Strengthening Institutions: Promote FPO participation, and improve access to credit and finance.

Conclusion

Agri-Photovoltaics offers a transformative solution by combining energy generation with agriculture.

With strong policy support under PM-KUSUM, it can:

• Boost farmer incomes
• Ensure energy security
• Support climate goals

It represents a win-win model for sustainable and inclusive rural development in India.

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