Editorial Micro Notes (11/3/2024)
Q- How does the lack of limits on political party expenditure during elections contribute to problems in the electoral process?
GS-2 Mains Topic- Need for Limits on Election Campaign Spending
Context:
- Governments spending heavily on advertisements before elections.
- Majority of advertisements tend to favor ruling party, creating personality cults.
Limits on Spending:
- Traditional Methods: Public meetings used for spreading awareness initially.
- Modern Methods: Shifted to print and electronic media for wider reach.
- Current Issue: Government ads before elections favor ruling party, establish personality cults.
The Limit and the Issues:
- Expenditure Limit: ₹95 lakh per Lok Sabha constituency in larger States, ₹75 lakh in smaller States.
- Breach of Limits: Candidates often exceed limits, with major parties involved.
- Unregulated Party Expenditure: No limits on party spending, mostly funded by corporate houses.
- Unholy Nexus: Leads to dubious relationships between donors and elected representatives.
- Election Integrity Compromised: Opacity in donations, cash distribution weaken free and fair elections.
- Supreme Court’s Intervention: Struck down electoral bonds scheme but challenges remain.
Towards a Level Playing Field:
- State Funding Advocacy: Proposed by Indrajit Gupta Committee and Law Commission.
- Feasibility Concerns: Doubts over implementation due to lack of consensus and discipline.
Suggestions:
- Ban on Government Ads: Six months prior to general elections.
- Regulation of Party Financial Assistance: Should align with candidate expenditure limits.
- Ceiling on Party Expenditure: Tied to candidate expenditure limits multiplied by number of party candidates.
- Judicial Reforms: Additional judges in High Courts for swift resolution of election-related cases.
Conclusion:
- Reforms require bipartisan support to ensure free and fair elections and prevent burden on citizens.
Questions : How does urban growth contribute to the depletion of groundwater recharge?
Or
What long-term strategies are suggested for resolving Bengaluru’s water crisis?
GS-1 Mains : Bengaluru’s Water Crisis: Reasons and Solutions
Reasons for the Crisis
- Insufficient rainfall and depleted Cauvery river
- Urban growth reducing groundwater recharge
- Inadequate water infrastructure
- Climate change and erratic rainfall
- Polluted water bodies
- Inefficient water management
- Disputes with neighboring states
- Lack of preparedness
Solutions
- Inclusive Water Governance:Involve all communities in water management decisions.
- Interlinking Rivers:Connect water-rich areas to deficient ones.
- Promote Water Conservation:Encourage rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation.
- Invest in Infrastructure:Allocate funds to improve water projects.
- Sustainable Agriculture:Support water-saving farming practices.
- Address Pollution:Control industrial and agricultural water pollution.
- One Water Approach:Manage water resources sustainably for all.
- Community Management:Empower communities to address water access challenges.
- Raise Awareness:Educate people on water conservation and equitable access.
Key Government Schemes
- MGNREGA: Promotes water conservation through rural employment.
- Jal Kranti Abhiyan: Raises awareness on water conservation.
- National Water Mission: Focuses on sustainable water management.
- Atal Bhujal Yojana: Improves groundwater management.
- Jal Jeevan Mission: Aims to provide tap water in rural areas.
- National Mission for Clean Ganga: Addresses groundwater issues in the Ganga basin.
Way Forward
- Need for long-term, bipartisan solutions.
- Develop a circular water economy to maximize water use.
- Ensure a clean and healthy Cauvery river.
हिन्दी