Creation of Andhra Pradesh and Special Category Status

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Why in the News?

The recent 10th anniversary of Andhra Pradesh's bifurcation into two states, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, marks a significant political shift.

This offers a compelling opportunity to examine its extensive implications on the political, economic, and historical landscape of the Telugu people.

How Andhra Pradesh has been Divided on a Linguistic Basis?

Background:

During the Nagpur session of the Indian National Congress in December 1920, it was decided to reorganize Provincial Congress Committees based on language, aiming to promote the interests of linguistic groups. This led to demands for linguistic states, reflecting the post-independence linguistic reorganization movements.

Agitation for Linguistic State:

Potti Sreeramulu, a Gandhian activist, played a crucial role in this movement. His hunger strike in October 1952 demanded a separate state of Andhra Pradesh for Telugu-speaking people. His sacrifice intensified the agitation and compelled the Indian government to reconsider its stance on linguistic reorganization.

Commissions for Linguistic Reorganisation of States:

Several commissions were set up by the Central Government to examine state reorganization on linguistic lines:

1. Dar Commission (1948): Did not support linguistic reorganization, prioritizing administrative efficiency.

2. JVP Committee (1948-1949): Also recommended against linguistic reorganization due to administrative difficulties.

3. Fazal Ali Commission (1953-1955): Recommended the creation of linguistic states with reservations to ensure national integration and administrative convenience. Its recommendations led to the formation of states based on linguistic lines.

States Reorganisation Act (1956):

Based on the Fazal Ali Commission's recommendations, this act reshaped state boundaries, creating linguistic states. Telugu-speaking areas of Hyderabad state were merged with Andhra state, forming the enlarged Andhra Pradesh.

Formation of Andhra State:

Potti Sreeramulu's death sparked protests, leading to the decision to create Andhra State on linguistic grounds. It was India's first linguistic state, carved out from Madras State.

Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014:

On June 2, 2014, Telangana was created by separating the northwestern part of Andhra Pradesh. This act addressed the demands for a separate Telangana state.

Special Category Status (SCS) Issue:

Since the bifurcation in 2014, granting Special Category Status (SCS) to Andhra Pradesh has been a contentious issue.

What is Special Category Status (SCS)?

Special Category Status (SCS) is a classification granted by the Centre to certain states to aid development, considering their geographical and socio-economic disadvantages. The scheme was introduced in 1969 based on the recommendation of the Fifth Finance Commission.

Factors considered for granting SCS to a State include:

• Hilly and difficult terrain
• Low population density and/or significant tribal population
• Strategic location along international borders
• Economic and infrastructural backwardness
• Non-viable nature of State finances

The 14th Finance Commission abolished the 'special category status' for states, except for the Northeastern and three hill states.

States with Special Status include Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, and Uttarakhand.

What are the Important Facts about the State of Andhra Pradesh?

Bordered:

Andhra Pradesh is bordered by Chhattisgarh to the north, Odisha to the northeast, Telangana and Karnataka to the west, Tamil Nadu to the south, and the Bay of Bengal to the east.

Festivals:

• Ugadi
• Pedda Panduga
• Pongal

Art & Culture:

• Tholu Bommalata (Puppet show)
• Dappu (The Dance of Percussion)
• Veera Natyam (The Dance of the Brave)
• Tappeta Gullu (The Dance of the Rain God)
• Kolattam
• Lambadi (The Dance of Nomads)
• Kuchipudi
• Bhama Kalapam
• Yakshagana
• Kalamkari (Textile Art)

Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary:

• Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
• Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary
• Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary (Mangrove forests)
• Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary
• Atapaka Bird Sanctuary (Kolleru Lake)
• Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuary

Tribes:

• Chenchu
• Gadabas
• Sawara
• Kondh
• Kolam
• Porja

 

CIC Jurisdiction over MPLADS Funds

Why in the News?

Recently, the Delhi High Court ruled that the Central Information Commission (CIC) does not have jurisdiction to comment on the utilization of funds under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS).

What is the Background of the Court's Ruling?

Key Events:

• In 2018, the Central Information Commission (CIC) expressed concerns about some MPs holding back their MPLADS funds until the last year of their term, suspected for electoral advantage.
• The CIC suggested to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) to prevent this "abuse" and implement guidelines for equal fund distribution over the five-year term.
• MoSPI challenged the CIC's ruling on an RTI application in the Delhi High Court.

Court’s Ruling:

• The Delhi High Court stated that the CIC cannot comment on how MPs utilize MPLADS funds.
• The RTI Act is limited to providing access to information under public authorities' control.
• As per Section 18 of the RTI Act, the CIC can only address issues related to information sought under RTI or any issue leading to information dissemination.
• However, the Court upheld the part of the CIC's order instructing the public authority to publish details of funds MP-wise, Constituency-wise, and workwise under the RTI Act.

What is the MPLADS Scheme?

About:

The Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) is a Central Sector Scheme introduced in 1993.

Objective:

It allows MPs to recommend developmental works focusing on creating durable community assets like drinking water facilities, primary education, public health, sanitation, and roads in their constituencies. Since June 2016, MPLADS funds can also be used for national schemes like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and the conservation of water through rainwater harvesting.

Implementation:

MPs recommend works to the Nodal District Authority, which implements the projects. The authority maintains details of works executed and funds spent.

Functioning:

MPs receive Rs. 5 crore annually in two instalments. Funds are non-lapsable. Lok Sabha MPs recommend projects in their constituencies, while Rajya Sabha MPs spend in their states. Nominated MPs can recommend works anywhere.

Concerns:

• Breach of Federalism: MPLADS infringes on local self-governing institutions' domain.
• Implementation Lapses: The scheme can be used for patronage and faces mismanagement issues.
• No Statutory Backing: It lacks statutory regulation, making it subject to arbitrary changes.
• Criticism: Several commissions recommended its termination due to its centralization and conflict with state powers.

Way Forward:

• Transparency and Accountability: Implement an online tracking system and regular audits.
• Citizen Participation: Involve citizens in prioritizing development needs.
• Evidence-Based Decision Making: Encourage MPs to use data for impactful projects.
• Convergence: Streamline MPLADS with other government schemes for larger projects.
• Strengthening Local Agencies: Enhance capacity for efficient project execution.
• Addressing Lapsing Funds: Explore alternatives like rolling over funds or creating a national pool.

What are the Concerns Related to Autonomy of CIC?

Appointment Process:

The Central Information Commission (CIC) and Information Commissioners (ICs) are appointed by a committee comprising politicians, potentially allowing political considerations to influence the selection, compromising impartiality.

Tenure and Removal:

Originally, Information Commissioners had a fixed 5-year term guaranteed by the RTI Act. However, the RTI (Amendment) Act, 2019 removed this, giving the central government control over their terms, raising concerns about their independence.

Salaries, Wages, and Allowances:

The RTI Act (2005) linked the salaries of the CIC and ICs to those of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners. The 2019 amendment removed this link, allowing the central government to decide their pay, raising concerns about government influence.

Funding and Resources:

The CIC relies on the central government for budgetary allocations and administrative support, limiting its autonomy and effectiveness.

Enforcement Powers:

While the CIC can order disclosure of information and impose penalties, the lack of a robust enforcement mechanism hampers effectiveness, making it difficult to ensure compliance.

What are the Reforms Proposed to Strengthen the Central Information Commission?

Establishment of an Independent Selection Committee:

An independent selection committee, including members from the judiciary, civil society, and other independent bodies, should be formed to reduce political influence and ensure competent and unbiased leadership for the CIC.

Fixed and Non-Renewable Tenures:

A fixed term, such as 5 years, without the possibility of renewal, should be implemented, along with safeguards against premature removal, ensuring the independence of CIC officials.

Financial and Administrative Autonomy:

The CIC should have financial autonomy with a separate budget allocation and timely disbursement. They should also manage administrative affairs, including staff recruitment and infrastructure.

Enhanced Enforcement Powers:

Granting contempt powers to hold non-compliant individuals or organizations accountable, imposing fines on public authorities for non-compliance, and establishing an effective mechanism for decision enforcement would strengthen the CIC's enforcement capabilities.

 

IPEF Ministerial Meeting 2024

Why in the News?

Recently, India took part in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Ministerial Meeting held in Singapore on 6th June 2024, highlighting the progress made in boosting economic cooperation among partner nations in the Indo-Pacific region.

What are the Key Highlights of the Meeting?

IPEF members signed three agreements focusing on the Clean Economy, Fair Economy, and the overarching IPEF Agreement. However, India has not formally signed these agreements yet as the domestic approval process is still ongoing.

Clean Economy Agreement:

This agreement aims to speed up efforts towards energy security, climate resilience, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. India has taken a leading role in launching a new collaborative effort called a "Cooperative Work Programme" (CWP) focused on recovering valuable resources from electronic waste, known as e-waste urban mining.

IPEF Catalytic Capital Fund:

This fund was established to support clean economy infrastructure projects in IPEF emerging and upper-middle-income economies. Founding supporters like Australia, Japan, Korea, and the US have provided USD 33 million as initial grant funding to catalyze USD 3.3 billion in private investment.

Fair Economy Agreement:

This agreement aims to establish a more transparent and predictable business environment, promote fair competition, and strengthen efforts against corruption. India highlighted a training program in Digital Forensics & System-Driven Risk Analysis that it will offer to other IPEF partners.

IPEF Upskilling Initiative:

This initiative offers digital skills training, mainly to women and girls, in IPEF partner countries. In the last two years, it has provided 10.9 million upskilling opportunities, with 4 million in India alone.

What is IPEF?

About:

The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) was launched on 23rd May 2022 in Tokyo, Japan, comprising 14 countries. It aims to strengthen economic engagement and cooperation among partner countries to advance growth, economic stability, and prosperity in the region.

Members:

The 14 IPEF partner countries are Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam. Together, they represent 40% of global GDP and 28% of global goods and services trade.

Pillars:

The IPEF is structured around four main pillars:

(I) Fair and Resilient Trade:

Aims to promote economic growth, peace, and prosperity in the region.

(II) Supply Chain Resilience:

Seeks to make supply chains more resilient, robust, and well-integrated. Focuses on improving logistics, connectivity, and investments in critical sectors. Aims to enhance worker roles through upskilling and reskilling initiatives.

(III) Clean Economy:

Aims to advance cooperation on clean energy and climate-friendly technologies. Focuses on research, development, commercialization, and deployment of clean energy. Encourages investment in climate-related projects in the Indo-Pacific region.

(IV) Fair Economy:

Focuses on implementing effective anti-corruption and tax measures. Highlights India's strong steps in improving legislative and administrative frameworks to combat corruption.

India has joined Pillars II to IV of IPEF while holding an observer status in Pillar I.