MAINS Current Affairs includes Concerns Regarding Independence of the Election Commission & Unlocking India’s Inland Waterways Potential

Polity

1. Concerns Regarding Independence of the Election Commission

Context

Debates over the fairness of electoral rolls, the new method of appointing Election Commissioners, and questions about institutional independence have renewed scrutiny of the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Key Concerns About the ECI

1. Issues With Voter List Revisions

• The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has led to widespread worries about mass deletions, especially in specific localities, raising fears of unjust voter exclusion.

2. Appointment Mechanism Under Question

• The 2023 law — Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act — changed the earlier selection system.
• With the judiciary removed from the selection panel, critics argue it strengthens executive dominance. The matter is now before the Supreme Court.

Constitutional Framework – Article 324

• Article 324 provides for a Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners, appointed by the President as per a law made by Parliament.
• The ECI supervises electoral rolls and conducts elections to Parliament, State Assemblies, and the offices of President and Vice-President.

Major Features of the 2023 Appointment Act

• Replaces the 1991 Act.
• Commission includes a CEC plus a number of ECs determined by the President.
• Appointment by the President based on a Selection Committee consisting of:
  • Prime Minister
  • Cabinet Minister
  • Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha (or largest opposition party leader)
• A Search Committee led by the Cabinet Secretary proposes five names, but the Selection Committee may choose anyone.
• Term: Six years or until 65 years of age; no reappointment allowed.
• If an EC becomes CEC, total tenure cannot exceed six years.
• Salaries match that of the Cabinet Secretary.
• Removal:
  • CEC removable like a Supreme Court Judge.
  • ECs removable only upon CEC’s recommendation.

Important Judicial Rulings

• Indira Gandhi vs Raj Narain (1975): Free and fair elections form part of the Constitution’s Basic Structure.
• N. Seshan vs Union of India (1995): Asserted that all Election Commissioners are equal; the CEC is only “first among equals.”
• Vineet Narain vs Union of India (1997): Strengthened procedural safeguards for independent constitutional bodies.
• Anoop Baranwal vs Union of India (2023): Recommended a selection panel including the Chief Justice of India until Parliament enacted a law (which the 2023 Act later replaced).

Key Committees on Electoral Reform

• Dinesh Goswami Committee (1990): Suggested strict anti-booth-capture measures, including greater deployment of central forces and use of re-polls.
• Indrajit Gupta Committee (1998): Favoured state funding of recognised political parties in kind, not cash, to curb money power.
• Law Commission: Called for bans on contesting from multiple seats, stronger internal democracy in parties, transparency in political finance, and measures to curb defections.

Way Forward

A more inclusive selection process for Election Commissioners can enhance the public perception of neutrality.

Greater transparency in political donations is essential to reduce undue financial influence.

Upgrading election technology and audit systems can strengthen trust, provided robust verification mechanisms accompany digital reforms.

Economy

2. Unlocking India’s Inland Waterways Potential

Context

The third meeting of the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) recently convened in Kochi, marking a renewed push toward expanding India’s inland water transport system.

Current Status of Inland Waterways

• India possesses a sizeable inland waterways network of 20,236 km, including 17,980 km of rivers and 2,256 km of canals fit for mechanised vessels.
• The country has 111 National Waterways, notified under the National Waterways Act, 2016.
  Cargo movement on these waterways has grown dramatically— from 07 million tonnes in 2013–14 to 145.5 million tonnes in 2024–25, registering over 700% growth.
• India now targets 200 million tonnes by 2030 and 500 million tonnes by 2047.

Importance of Inland Waterways

• Lowering logistics costs: India spends nearly 14% of GDP on logistics compared to the global benchmark of 8–10%, making waterways a cheaper alternative.
• Reducing congestion: Shifting cargo to rivers eases pressure on road and rail networks.
• Environmental Sustainability: Water transport consumes less fuel and emits fewer pollutants, supporting India’s SDG commitments and climate goals.
• Economic Growth: Improved waterway connectivity strengthens trade, boosts regional economies, and supports industries along National Waterways.

Key Challenges

• Inadequate Infrastructure: Shortage of modern terminals, navigational aids, loading facilities, and night navigation restrict efficiency.
• Seasonal Depth Issues: Riverbed variation and low water levels hinder all-season navigation.
• Dominance of Road and Rail: Well-established road/rail networks reduce the incentive for shifting cargo to waterways.
• Uneven Development: Waterway infrastructure is concentrated in certain river basins, leaving others lagging.

Government Measures

• Jalvahak Scheme: Offers financial incentives to encourage shifting cargo over waterways for distances beyond 300 km, including up to 35% reimbursement of operating expenses.
• Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP): Modernising National Waterway-1 with terminals, channel marking, and improved navigation.
• Sagarmala Programme: Integrating inland waterways with port-led development and coastal shipping.
• Freight Villages: Developing logistics parks near key waterways to promote multimodal transport solutions.

Download Pdf | Study Material | Downloads | Daily Quiz  | FREE Youtube Videos