Electoral Reforms need and significance

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• •Electoral reforms are crucial for improving the democratic integrity and efficiency of India's electoral process. The "One Nation, One Election" concept, recently endorsed by the Ram Nath Kovind Committee.

  Need for Electoral Reforms

  • Strengthening Electoral Participation: Encouraging greater voter turnout and simplifying the voter registration process is essential to fostering a more inclusive democracy.

   For example: The Goswami Committee on Electoral Reforms suggested measures to increase electoral participation, such as simplifying voter registration.

   • Addressing Political Corruption: Tackling the nexus between criminals and politicians enhances voter trust and engagement while encouraging accountability among the candidates.

   • Curbing Electoral Expenditure: Limiting the rising costs of elections is crucial to ensure a level playing field and prevent undue influence on electoral outcomes by wealthy candidates or parties.

   For example: The 2nd ARC emphasized the need to curb spiraling electoral expenses to maintain the integrity of free and fair elections.

   • Improving Election Integrity: Strengthening mechanisms that ensure transparency and prevent manipulation in the electoral process is vital for upholding democracy.

   • Ensuring Inclusivity in Voting: Ensuring that marginalized groups have equal access to voting is critical for a truly representative democracy.

   

   Significance of One Nation-One Election Principle

   • Increase in GDP: Holding simultaneous elections can result in a notable increase in GDP by enhancing economic stability and efficiency.

  • Rise in Government Expenditure: Simultaneous elections lead to an increase in public spending,particularly skewed towards capital expenditure, which promotes economic growth.

   

   Role of Local bodies

   •Local bodies form the backbone of decentralized governance in India, empowered by the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, which introduced Articles 243 to 243Z.

    Role

   • Decentralized Decision-Making: Local bodies enable autonomous decision-making that caters to the unique needs of their communities, in line with Article 243G.

   For example: Gram Panchayats in Maharashtra managed Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan, a water conservation initiative, improving water availability in drought-prone areas.

   • Enhanced Community Engagement: As mandated by Article 243A, Gram Sabhas enable citizens to participate in governance decisions.

   • Accountability and Transparency Improvements: Regular monitoring of government programs increases accountability, as encouraged by the RTI Act (2005), which promotes transparency.

   For example: Social audits in MGNREGA, as mandated by Section 17 of the MGNREGA Act, helped expose fund mismanagement in Andhra Pradesh.

   • Local Economic Initiatives: Local bodies promote economic development under Article 243W, which empowers municipalities to execute economic programs in urban areas.

   • Inclusion of Marginalized Sections: Local bodies reserve seats for women and SC/STs as per Article 243D, ensuring political participation from marginalized sections.

   • Resource Management Effectiveness: Local management of natural resources is enabled under Article 243G, empowering Panchayats to handle resource management.

   • Service Delivery Localization: Municipalities, as per Article 243W, are responsible for delivering essential services like health and education at the local level.

   For example: Kerala’s local self-government departments manage primary high schools.

   

   

   

  Public charitable trust and inclusive development

   Overview

   Public charitable trusts operate under legal frameworks such as the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, focusing on philanthropic initiatives aimed at education, healthcare, and social justice.

   Role

   • Educational Enhancements: Public charitable trusts play a crucial role in improving educational access and quality, especially in underserved areas.

   For example: The Azim Premji Foundation focuses on rural education,complementing Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, aimed at universalizing elementary education.

   • Healthcare Accessibility: Trusts extend healthcare services to marginalized populations, aiding the achievement of India's constitutional goals under Article 47.

   • Skill Development: Trusts contribute to empowering women through skill development and microfinance, promoting equality under Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution.

   For example: The SEWA Trust enhances women's empowerment by providing skills training and financial assistance for rural youth, particularly women.

   • Legal Assistance and Advocacy: Trusts provide legal aid to rescue and protect marginalized communities, supporting their fundamental rights under the Constitution.

   • Environmental Conservation Efforts: Trusts play a critical role in environmental conservation, focusing on biodiversity and sustainability in line with India's international commitments under the Paris Agreement.

   For example: The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) leads biodiversity preservation efforts.

  • Local Community Development: Trusts contribute to community infrastructure, such as sanitation, water, and housing, in line with SDGs and government schemes like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.