Indian Express Editorial Summary

Editorial Topic : The Budget’s Dilemma

 GS-3 Mains Exam : Economy

Question : Evaluate the role of recent RBI surplus in easing the government’s revenue constraints and its potential impact on welfare measures in the upcoming Union Budget. Provide examples of welfare schemes that might be emphasized.

Political Backdrop:

• Upcoming budget’s context is different from previous 10 due to fractured election verdict.
• Government’s reading of results and upcoming state elections will influence budget proposals.

Welfare Measures:

• Finance Minister may consider doubling down on welfare schemes.
• Examples: Maharashtra & Haryana providing cash transfers & free bus rides.
• Recent RBI surplus eases government’s revenue constraints.
• Budget’s use of surplus will indicate government’s view on:
  • Changed political landscape
  • Economy’s state
  • Voter sentiment

Growth Concerns:

• 8% growth figure raises questions:
  • Growth may not be as robust as claimed.
  • Distribution of benefits may be unequal.
  • High fiscal deficit (5.6% last year) indicates reliance on government spending.
  • Increase in self-employment (roadside shops, unpaid family work) isn’t a healthy sign.
  • Unemployment & underemployment among youth is a concern.
  • High food inflation adds burden.

Limits of Welfarism:

• Recent elections highlight limitations of welfarism in attracting votes.
• Public provision of private goods may not always be enough.
• Governments will face challenges of:
  • Structural transformation
  • Inadequate job creation
  • Deepening labor market duality

Manufacturing Sector Stagnation:

• Government’s approach to boost manufacturing:
  • Raising tariffs
  • Providing subsidies (PLI scheme)
• Limited success beyond mobile phones (Apple).
• Manufacturing sector’s share of GDP stagnant at 17% for 2 decades.
• Contradictory trade policies:
  • Aiming for self-reliance (Atmanirbhar)
  • Wanting to be part of global supply chains
• Not joining RCEP raises questions about trade policy.

Subdued Private Investment:

• Corporate investments remain low despite government efforts.
• Focus on “national champions” unlikely to significantly increase investments or jobs.
• Reliance Industries’ investment example:
  • $125 billion over 10 years (average $12.5 billion/year)
  • Compared to total investments exceeding $1 trillion last year
• A broader base of companies is needed to drive investment cycle.
• Fear or caution is currently holding back private sector investment.

Current Account Surplus:

• Recent current account surplus is not a positive sign.
• Surplus indicates domestic savings exceeded investment.
• Savings were invested abroad instead of financing domestic investment (borrowing).
• This is not ideal for a capital deficit country with pressured household savings.

Uneven Growth Across Sectors:

• Subdued investments and weak labor market suggest weak overall consumption demand.
• Some segments (luxury goods, high-end real estate) will benefit from higher spending by the affluent.
• Other sectors (FMCG, two-wheeler sales, entry-level car market) show signs of struggle.
• This highlights a deeply splintered domestic market.
• Top earners are doing well, middle class is stagnant, and majority faces stagnant wages.

Conclusion:

• Upcoming budget will be challenging for the Modi government.
• Coalition politics will demand concessions.
• The government will likely introspect its economic policies due to election results.
• Time will tell if the government prioritizes more welfare or job creation.

 

 

 

Indian Express Editorial Summary

Editorial Topic : The BNSS and Long Police Custody

 GS-2 Mains Exam : Polity

Question : Examine the implications of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) on the fundamental rights of the accused. Discuss the potential human rights violations that may arise due to extended police custody provisions in the BNSS.

The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) has replaced the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC), raising concerns about extended police custody and potential violation of fundamental rights.

Understanding Custody:

• An accused person can be held in two main types of custody:
  • Police Custody: The accused is under the direct control of the police, often perceived as a harsher experience due to limited access to lawyers and family.
  • Judicial Custody: The accused is placed in a jail with defined rules and regulations.

The CrPC Safeguards and the BNSS Change:

• The CrPC previously protected against excessive police custody by limiting it to a maximum of 15 days out of a total 60 or 90 days (depending on the offense).
• The BNSS removes this crucial 15-day limit, allowing magistrates to authorize detention beyond that period.

How Does BNSS Allow Longer Custody?

• The BNSS retains the 60/90 day total limit and default bail concept from the CrPC.
• However, Section 187 omits the 15-day limit on police custody, giving magistrates more discretion to extend it.
• This extended detention can reach a maximum of:
  • 90 days for serious offenses (death penalty, life imprisonment, or 10+ years)
  • 60 days for other offenses

Why is this a Problem?

• The BNSS allows for significantly longer police custody compared to even harsher laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), which has a 30-day limit.
• Spending extended periods with the police increases the risk of custodial violence, torture, and violation of the right to life and dignity enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution.
• The D.K. Basu vs State of West Bengal judgement established that Article 21 protects against torture and cruel treatment by state officials, including police.

The Bottom Line:

• The BNSS provisions for extended police custody raise serious concerns about potential human rights violations.
• The lack of safeguards and the vast increase in detention times compared to previous laws and even stricter acts threaten the well-being of the accused.

Additional Points to Consider:

• The BNSS doesn’t mandate reasons for seeking extended police custody, unlike UAPA.
• This lack of transparency raises further concerns about potential misuse of the provision.
• The mental and physical toll of prolonged police custody can also hinder the accused’s ability to defend themselves in court, impacting their right to a fair trial.

By understanding the changes in the BNSS and their potential consequences, we can engage in a critical discussion about protecting fundamental rights and ensuring a fair criminal justice system in India.